Those who are worldly are spending more and more time and energy attempting to keep us in fear. But Jesus told us that we’re to only fear the wrath of the Lord. “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt 10:28) Jesus told us how we can lose our fear and gain eternity in heaven: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24)

When we are called to serve or to suffer, we assess our strength, and we find it to be less than we thought and less than we need. However, we must not let our hearts sink within us while we have a wonderful promise from the Lord if we are His. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Is 41:10)

God has omnipotent strength that He gladly shares with us, and He promises to do so. He will be the food of our souls and the health of our hearts, and in this way He will give us strenth. We cannot determine how much power God can put into someone. When divine strength comes, human weakness is no longer a hindrance.

God gives unexpected strength when unusual trials come upon us. Cowards gain courage, the foolish are given wisdom, and the silent receive in that very hour what they should say (Luke 12:12). While our own weakness may make us reluctant, if we keep God’s promise to strengthen us in mind and in our heart, we can be brave in His might.

While the Lord strengthens our inner spirit, He is ready and able to give us external help as long as we are walking in what He has laid before us. God can raise us up allies in our warfare if it seems good in His sight. Even if He does not send us human assistance, He himself will be at our side, and this is better still. Our great God is better than armies of human helpers.

His help is timely. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). He knows how to give each person help that is proper and suitable for each person. His help is most powerful. “Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man!” (Ps 108:12) His help is more than help as we understand earthly help, for He bears all the burden and supplies all the need. “So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'” (Heb 13:6)

Because God has already been our help, we can have confidence in Him for the present and the future. Our prayer is “Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!” (Ps 30:10) Our experience is “the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses” (Rom 8:26a). Our expectation is “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth” (Ps 121:1-2). Our song will be, “I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand” (Ps 73:23). 

So when the enemy seeks to devour us and keep us in fear (1 Pet 5:8), remember you belong to the One who has sealed you with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13). And as His children, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim 1:7). Keep close to the One who loves you and stand in His power and might!