Courage over Fear
- Mia Giesler
- Jan 25
- 4 min read
“God reminds us over and over to not fear because He knows fear holds us in comfort, which keeps us from fully experiencing all that God has for us.”
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. It sounds like a battle cry, doesn’t it? Do not be afraid. Fear is like a battleground sometimes, trying to keep us from the good God has for us. It’s a sand trap that tries to keep our feet grounded where we are, instead of moving forward with the plans God has for us. Did you know that God’s word says “do not be afraid” roughly 365 times? It makes me think of how many times a day I have to tell my toddler the same things, because he just doesn’t get it yet: “Don’t throw that”, “Don’t hit the dog, hugs”, and “Get that out of your mouth”. God reminds us over and over to not fear because He knows fear holds us in comfort, which keeps us from fully experiencing all that God has for us.
But it doesn’t stop there. Why do we not have to be afraid? How can we be strong and courageous? The answer: God.
The context of Deuteronomy 31:6 is Moses is speaking to the Israelites after they have fled Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, wandered the wilderness for 40 years, and are preparing to enter the Promise Land. Moses tells Israel his time with them is ending, but that God will go before them to destroy the nations occupying their land, and they don’t have to fear. He reminds them of how God’s conquered their enemies before.
Moses also tells them that Joshua will be the one to lead them moving forward. And after he tells the Israelites to be strong and courageous, he says the same thing to Joshua. Which, let's be honest, had to be some intimidating shoes to fill. But with everything that Moses did, God had gone before him and made a way. Moses was just obedient to God’s leading.
A few years ago I was at Kroger around 9:30pm and one of the ladies working there was running around, clearly frantic. I was waiting for her to come to my self-check out register when I felt God prompt me to pray for her. Praying for strangers used to make me so uncomfortable, but I obeyed and asked if I could just pray for her. She broke down crying and unloaded all these heavy and hard things she and her daughter were facing. She felt hopeless. I prayed with her and then let her get back to work. Walking back to my car, I was beaming at seeing the visible peace that she desperately needed just wash over her and feeling so filled with the Holy Spirit.
God had given His people a commission and a plan (the Promise Land). He warned them it would not be easy (other nations in the way). He gave them a command (be strong and courageous, do not fear). And also gave His people a promise (He would never leave them). God is faithful to show up where He calls us, and He does the conquering for us!
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Monday:
Spend time meditating on today’s scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. What is that maybe God is asking you to step forward with in faith? Where have you maybe gotten a little too comfortable in your walk with the Lord? Maybe you are dealing with some fear.
Tuesday:
Read Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear. What is the fear that keeps you from obedience, or keeps you from stepping out of your box to what God is calling you? Rejection. The Unknown. Imposter Syndrome. Not being “good enough”. Shame, from your past, or even what you may be struggling with right now. Public Speaking. Losing security. You’ll be alone. Failure.
Take time to pray and search your heart for what it is, and then TAKE IT TO JESUS. His Word tells us repeatedly we don’t have to fear, for HE is with us. HE will make a way. Moses, Joshua, Esther, David fighting Goliath, Abraham leaving his home, Gideon, the disciples leaving everything they knew to follow Jesus. They all had reason to have fears, but God made a promise, gave them a calling, and had already made a way!
Worship song: “Make Room” by The Church Will Sing
Wednesday:
Read Deuteronomy 31:1-8
You are NOT alone, mama! What God is calling you into…He is not calling you to do alone. HE. IS. WITH. YOU. He has gone BEFORE you to prepare a way; to fight the battles for you for His glory. If you aren’t sure, pray. Pray and know that you are not alone. We are not guaranteed that it will be easy, but He has NOT forsaken you.
I think in our callings as moms, it is especially easy to feel alone, ill-equipped, like we just don’t know what we are doing. But God has made a way for us to do this and in His sovereignty He chose us, He chose YOU to do this.
Spend some time today just worshiping God for who He is. Draw near to Him and know that He has not forsaken you.
Worship song: “Prayer to Yahweh” by HalleluYah Voice of Zion
Thursday:
A thankful heart gives the glory to God for what He has done, and also reminds us of His goodness even through hard times. Think of a time when God called you to do something out of your comfort zone, or something you had to be a little brave about. Think about how He made a way for you. How did He show up? For you, your family, the other people involved? Did you come away more confident in how God can use you for His glory?
Spend some time today in prayer and/or journaling, and just give thanks to God for the ways He has shown up for you in those times.
Worship song: “The Lord Will Provide” by Passion
Written by Mia, mom of 1
