Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me?
There is no need to fear when times of trouble come, when enemies are surrounding me. “The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.” (Proverbs 28:1)
In moments of doubt and despair, let us remember the promise that we are never alone. The strength we seek is not born from our own abilities but from a higher power that surpasses all understanding.
We will have the courage to overcome when we are obedient and firm in our faith. Then, we can be confident that God is with us and wants to help us. “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Let our lives be a testament to the power of faith and the resilience it fosters. As we stand firm in our convictions, we inspire others to find their courage and trust in God, who is greater than themselves. Together, we can create a ripple effect, spreading hope and encouragement in a world that often feels dark and uncertain.
Putting on the Armour of God
Inevitably, the world presents challenges that seem insurmountable, leaving us feeling overwhelmed. What steps should Christians take to push forward? “Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but… against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world… Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” (Ephesians 6:10-18)
With such divine assurance, we can navigate life’s challenges with an unwavering spirit. Our faith becomes our shield, and our trust in God serves as our guiding light. As we embrace these truths, we are emboldened to face adversities with a heart full of hope and a mind steadfast in purpose. “For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5)
Avoiding Life’s Obstacles
The Devil specializes in putting obstacles in our path. God specializes in helping us overcome them. He equips us to do this with His truth, His righteousness, His peace, His Word, and His gift of salvation. “Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do and show me which way to turn.” (Psalm 5:8)
We can overcome some obstacles simply by avoiding them when we see them ahead. Living by God’s rules will keep us alert to potential obstacles. Far too often, we see an obstacle and keep moving right toward it, not believing it could be very dangerous. “So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)
Source of Our Strength
Self-control will restrain us from things we shouldn’t do. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the Lord Almighty?… Among the nations, Judah and Israel had become symbols of what it means to be cursed. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing! So don’t be afraid or discouraged, but instead get on with rebuilding the Temple!… Neither will I change my decision to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah.” (Zechariah 8:6, 13, 15)
So don’t be afraid. God gives us the encouragement to overcome obstacles—sometimes by speaking to us, sometimes through His Word, and sometimes through others. Embrace each challenge with confidence, knowing that you are never alone in your journey—God is always a single prayer away. Remember that every hurdle you face, together with God as your protector, is an opportunity for both spiritual and emotional growth.
Key Takeaways
In moments of doubt, remember to stop, pause, and pray. Before making any decisions or taking action, invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your every move. This moment of reflection and connection with God will provide the clarity and strength you need.
Even when faced with overwhelming challenges, don’t run from the mountain in fear. Instead, run to Jesus, who is your source of strength and direction. Whether you need to take a walk to cool off or simply need time to gather your thoughts, always turn to Him for guidance.
Reflect on God’s past victories in your life and how far you’ve come with His help. Strength and resilience are built with each step forward in faith, taken alongside Jesus. Trust in the process, and let your faith be the beacon that lights your path, guiding you toward a future filled with hope and possibility.
Each step taken in faith with Jesus is a step closer to victory, for “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). Let us move forward, standing firm in our faith, our hearts fortified by the eternal promise of God’s unwavering love and protection. Precious friend, we are always victorious with Jesus, so never give up.
Related Texts: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 34:17-19; Isaiah 40:29-31; Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 12:1-2
