Fearless.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~Isaiah 41:10

I once heard bravery described as "doing what's right even if you are afraid". And because I'm a word nerd I had to look that up, it didnt .sound quite right to me Here's what I found.

Brave: "possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

Courage: "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery."

In other words, nope! Brave, Courageous and Fearless are synonymous. We aren't called to obey God even though it is scary. We are called to trust God so well that obeying him ISN'T SCARY. I've gathered some scripture, rephrased the verses into proclamations of faith, and posted them here to help us ground ourselves in fearless confidence!

1. You know the plans you have for me, plans to prosperity not harm, plans to give me hope and a future. I trust that fearlessly in your plans!(Jeremiah 29:11).

2. No weapon formed against me will prosper, Anyone speaking judgment against me will be condemned. This is my heritage as your servant- all my righteousness comes directly from you. I believe, fearlessly in your protection and provision! (Isaiah 54:17)

3. You promise to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve you without fear. I trust fearlessly in your preservation! (Luke1:74)

4. "I will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day" (Psalm 91:5)

5. "When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall" (Psalm 27:2) I trust fearlessly in your authority!

6. I refuse to fear, because you haven't given me a Spirit fear but instead you gave me a Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) I trust fearlessly in your generosity.

7. I am no longer a slave to fear! I receive the Spirit of adoption to sonship and take full advantage of the privilege it is to call you“Abba, Father.”! (Romans 8:14-16) I trust, fearlessly in your acceptance.

8. Perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18) I trust, fearlessly, in your PERFECT LOVE.

1. Jeremiah 29:11

2. Isaiah 54:17

3. Luke1:74

4. Psalm 91:5

5. Psalm 27:2

6. 2 Timothy 1:7

7. Romans 8:14-16

8. 1 John 4:18

Whether we are steping out to serve in an unfamiliar neighborhood, experiencing the anxiety of meeting new people, or stretching our generosity to uncertain limits, uncharted territory can be daunting. But my encouragement this week is to steep yourself in God's word and remind yourself that He is with you! He is your God! And that means there is nothing to fear. Check CarePortal.org for open requests. Pray and consider what God would have you fearlessly provide for a family in crisis. Let's serve this week with bold trust and perfect love!