One of the most quoted verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:13, which says, “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” It’s a go-to verse whenever we are going through trials of any kind. People use it for comfort and encouragement, and it is that. But as Pastor Robert Sheehan writes, the verse “is meant to be a principle of living, not just a motto for special occasions!”
We should live every moment in the realization that there is no part of God’s will we cannot accomplish in His strength. No obstacle to His will is too great to overcome, and no challenge too daunting. Nothing can thwart the Lord’s will from being done (Job 42:2; Isaiah 46:10), and nothing can stop those who abide in Him from completing the work He gives them to do. (John 15:5; Philippians 1:6) There is nothing to fear.
We spend much of our lives being afraid of things. There are rational fears, like being mauled by a bear if you steal its cub, and irrational ones, like that the tiny spider you saw in the corner will eat your face as you sleep. There are social fears, like worrying about what someone thinks of you or not being accepted into a group. Many fears come into play when we think about following Jesus wherever He leads. There are rational fears of being tortured and imprisoned for sharing the gospel in a restricted nation, and irrational fears like you’ll starve to death if you become a missionary.
And then there are the far too prevalent social fears around sharing your faith. People might make fun of you. Let me put that one to rest for you; they will. So what? They mocked Jesus all the time, and He is far greater than you will ever be. We fear we won’t know what to say, but God’s Word promises He will give us the words we need to say in those moments. (Luke 12:11-12; Matthew 10:19-20) Do we not trust God to do what He promises? There is also the fear of damaging relationships within your family, but again, Jesus already told you this will happen. (Matthew 10:34-36; Luke 12:51-53)
The good news is that the Lord will reward us for those minor inconveniences and pains. (Matthew 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:8) Everything we go through works together to make us look more and more like Christ. (Romans 8:28-29) Everything serves a purpose, and He will provide everything we need to endure the trials along the way. (2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 13:5-6) There is nothing to fear. God’s promises never fail (Joshua 21:45; 2 Corinthians 1:20) and He cannot lie. (Titus 1:1-2; Numbers 23:19) If God tells you He will provide the strength you need, you can take that to the bank. It’s a done deal.
There is nothing to fear for those who love and honor Jesus as Lord. (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27:1) He is your rock in troubled times (Psalm 18:2; Psalm 62:6-7) and your shelter in the storm. (Psalm 46:1; Nahum 1:7) Nothing evades His notice. (Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 139:1-4) He holds you in His hands, and nothing or no one can snatch you from Him. (John 10:28-29)
We may experience temporary physical or emotional pain, but those are nothing compared to the eternal riches found in Christ. (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18) Men can destroy our bodies, but they cannot touch our souls. (Matthew 10:28) In this way, every fear we have about sharing the gospel is irrational. Jesus is in control, and He is stronger than any foe we will face. (Colossians 2:15; 1 John 4:4) Don’t be afraid, just trust in Him and rest in His peace. (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7)