*Day 2 – Courage Over Fear*
*Introduction*
Courage, they say, is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The Collins dictionary in American English defines courage as the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear. While fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined: the feeling or condition of being afraid. But thanks be to God who causes us to triumph always [2 Corinthians 2:14].
*Text* : _Isaiah 60:1-2; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalms 27:14_
As we enter into the new year, it is important not to allow the disappointments or failures of the past to put us in a state of fear that could hinder us from entering that which God has in store for us. We must embrace courage by stepping out boldly, taking charge, and taking hold of all that He has for us in this season.
*Why courage over fear?*
It is a command – Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Glory to God! What a powerful promise. This is not an empty promise because our God says what He means and means what He says. We have never seen this new year before, but God has seen it, for He knows the end from the beginning, and He is the one who goes into the year with you. Dear child of God, the command is to fear not but be strong and of good courage. There is great strength in knowledge [Daniel 11:32B], and if there is anything to know this year, it is to know God and the truth that He will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid of “them.”
Join the Prayer Live
God has not given us the spirit of fear – 2 Timothy 1:7. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Even the dictionary defines courage as the quality of mind or spirit. Courage is a spirit that triumphs over the spirit of fear. We must constantly resist and reject the spirit of fear and embrace the spirit of courage. Very importantly, make no mistake this year: claim what God says He has given you rather than proclaiming what He has not given. We must proclaim that which God has given to us and live in the consciousness of it. Face your fears. You have what it takes. Yes, you can do it [Philippians 4:13].
You have light on your inside – Isaiah 60:1-2: “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” Darkness is simply the absence of light. Think about it, no amount of darkness can overshadow any light. All that light needs to do is shine. Child of God, your light has come. Wherever God has planted you—in that industry, that business, your home, or community—and it seems like darkness has taken over, it is because someone has refused to shine their light. Don’t be afraid of the darkness; only arise and let your light shine forth. Darkness has never overcome light. You have been shining amongst fellow lights; it is time to dispel some darkness. Let men see your good works and glorify your Father. It is our responsibility to light up our world. If we don’t, no one will, for the world does not have the capacity to light up their world [Ezra 10:4].
*Lessons Learnt*
1. You have the spirit of power.
2. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is taking a step of faith in spite of fear, based on God’s Word.
3. God has given me victory over darkness, but I need to shine my light.
*Action Steps*
1. List the areas of your life where you have experienced failure before.
2. Write down at least one step of faith that you will take in 2025 to overcome fear in those areas.
3. Discuss it with someone who can hold you accountable for taking the steps of faith.
