Strength and Courage, Part 2

Here are five of the Bible's 365 "fear not" references.

"He said, 'I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.'"  Genesis 46:3 (NAS)

Let God guide you, follow where He leads, and trust Him to be with you on the way.

"'So therefore do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.'  So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."  Genesis 50:21 (NAS)

Joseph's brothers were afraid of retaliation once their father had died, but Joseph was sincere in his forgiveness.  We can be too.

"But Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear!  Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.'"  Exodus 14:13 (NAS)

When you are on the path God has laid out for you, He's going to guard that path.

"Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.'"  Exodus 20:20 (NAS)

Why does God test you, when He already knows your mind and your future?  He doesn't test us so He can learn about us.  He tests us so we can learn about ourselves.  And He wants to keep us from sin not just because it's offensive to Him, but because it's damaging to us.