Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” -Matthew 14:27 HCSB

Most of us know the expression where there is fear, there is no faith or some variation of it. Jesus told His disciples to have courage. But how do we acquire it?

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10 HCSB

I have lots of things going on in my life that could easily lead to fear and dscouragement. However, they don’t necessarily have to. For me to do that would be both self-destructive and render me ineffective for the kingdom. The reality is that, as a believer, I have a toolkit at hand to combat such things. The enemy would have me forget that or not know it at all.

What are those tools I am referring to? First and foremost, we have the Bible. The Scriptures are where we can find God’s directions to us on how we should maintain both our relationship with Him and with our fellow human being. Secondly, we have fellowship with other believers from which we can draw encouragement, direction and knowledge from those who have more experience walking the Christian walk and studyng His word. The Bible specifically enourages us to assemble as believers. Corporate worship and study is invaluable to us as His children.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. -Hebrews10:24-25 NIV

So let us live today, mindful of the hope imparted to us by our precious Savior’s sacrifice for us and His resurrection to eternal lfe. He goes to prepare a place for us (as He is quoted in the Bible). Will you be ready to move into that place at the appointed time? It is my hope and prayer for you that you may be able to say with confidence that you are. It makes dealing with the pressures and assorted things that we face in this life. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.