When Fear Shows Up, Strength Does Also | Coram Deo

Welcome to Episode 15 of Coram Deo, which is Latin for 'in the presence of God'. We hope this blesses and centers you during your time of facing fear with the strength of God.

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At Sandals Church, our vision is to be real with ourselves, God and others. This channel features sermons and teaching from Pastor Matt Brown and other members of the Sandals Church preaching team. You can find sermon notes, videos and more content at http://sandalschurch.com/watch

Tim Hawley: 00:29

This is my command, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua one nine. Fear as a way of showing up at the edge of every risk before every decision and every unknown. It's human to feel fear.

Tim Hawley: 00:54

But two things can be true. We can feel afraid and also walk in courage. When God spoke these words to Joshua, it wasn't just a pep talk. It was a reminder of who was walking with him. Joshua wasn't stepping into the unknown alone and neither are you.

Tim Hawley: 01:18

Think for a moment. What's the fear in front of you right now? It might be a conversation you've been avoiding, a decision that feels overwhelming, or just the anxiety of not knowing what's next. God doesn't shame you for feeling fear. He invites you to boldly trust him through it.

Tim Hawley: 01:46

Take a deep breath. As you exhale, name your fear. Bring it into the light. Jesus is with you. He might not remove what's causing you fear, but he does offer you his presence.

Tim Hawley: 02:05

And that changes everything. Because courage isn't the absence of fear. It's trusting God enough to move anyway. So take a step towards the challenge ahead of you. Then another, realize you're not walking into fear, you're walking despite it and with God who goes before you.

Tim Hawley: 02:30

So here's your challenge this week. Don't wait for the fear to disappear. Decide to take one small step in courage, name it and then schedule time to do it. Pray asking the Lord to fill you with his strength to follow through and then trust him with the outcome. As you do repeat this truth.

Tim Hawley: 02:53

I am not alone. God is with me. He goes before me. He fights for me and I will not let fear decide my steps. You got this.

Tim Hawley: 03:07

Not because you're fearless, but because the one who is lives in you.