Strength and Courage, Part 25

Here are five of the Bible's "don't be afraid" references, most of them directly from Jesus Himself.

"And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, "Get up, and do not be afraid."  Matthew 17:7 (NAS)

Jesus took His closest friends up on a high mountain where they saw and heard things that bewildered and frightened them.  When God leads you into unexpected situations, keep trusting Him.

"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.'"  Matthew 28:5 (NAS)

Two women on their way to pay their respects after Jesus' death got the news straight from an angel that Jesus was no longer dead.  We can expect the supernatural when we are intentionally moving toward the Lord.

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.'"  Matthew 28:10 (NAS)

That pair of women on their way to visit Jesus' grave met Him alive instead.  Expect Him to meet you when you're going in search of Him.

"But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, 'Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.'"  Mark 5:36 (NAS)

A father was on his way to request healing for his ill daughter when word came that it was too late for her.  Jesus revived her anyway.  Don't underestimate Him.

'for they all saw Him and were terrified.  But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, 'Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.'"  Mark 6:50 (NAS)

Jesus' squad freaked out when they saw Him strolling across the surface of the water while they were on a boat in a storm.  Let's get to know Him well enough that when He shows up in the middle of our storms, we recognize Him.