Outside Reading, Fear-Melissa Faller

Do not be afraid. These four words are often commanded in both the Old and New Testament. As Christians we are told to fear the Lord but at the same time we are told to remain faithful. We are often faced with challenges in order to test our faith, or are put in situations that where we do not feel comfortable in order to produce courage. I am going to argue that no one is born with courage or bravery, but that through faith in God we can become courageous. God has used fear in order to be faithful and to ensure that we trust in him. An example of this can be seen in Esther 4, when Esther had to face King Xerxes. Additional examples would be Noah trusting in the Lord and building the ark and Moses and the burning bush, these are other situation in which God used fear to make a point and bring others closer to him. God has used these “make it our break it” moments to fulfill mine and others destinies. Hebrews 2:14-15 says “By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.” Often time’s threat can be just as perilous as death and our fear can be just as crippling. The Bible gives humans the ability to make decisions out of wisdom and not through fear. Instead of not doing what is morally right in situations and running away the Bible provides scripture an answer that gives humans a reason to be brave. Galatians 2:20 explains that “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” If we are to live our lives and count ourselves as already dead we become free of fear.