Strength and Courage, Part 28

Welcome to another five of the Bible's 365 "don't be afraid" references.

"But He said to them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.'"  John 6:20 (NAS)

This is John's account of Jesus walking on the water, and His response to His terrified friends' reaction.  Responding is usually better than reacting.

"Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."  John 12:15 (NAS)

Jesus was fulfilling a prophecy from the book of Zechariah.  Trust God to do what He says He'll do.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  John 14:27 (NAS)

Peace from God is sometimes an absence of common problems due to a lifestyle of keeping His rules, but also is often a deep sense of reassurance even in the middle of desperate circumstances.

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 (NAS)

Jesus already knew He was about to be sacrificed for humanity and that His closest friends would abandon Him.  He told them (and us) ahead of time to trust in Him even when things look horrible and hopeless.  God has things under control whether we feel like it or not.  Nothing takes Him by surprise.

"And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent;'"  Acts 18:9 (NAS)

Keep preaching.  Keep going where He sends you and doing what He tells you no matter what, until and unless He tells you to stop.