“…as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous…” Joshua 1:5-6 (NLT)
People often misdiagnose problems actually caused by fear. They assume that because they don’t suffer from a phobia or some other clearly fear-related issue, they don’t have fear.
Yet common problems like worry, anxiety, moodiness and grumpiness are often symptoms of fear. Those who are stressed out, overwhelmed or have trouble focusing can frequently link the problem back to fear as well. Even nausea, digestive trouble, headaches, muscle tension and many physical illnesses are commonly related to fear.
Because fear is so destructive and is such a common struggle, the Bible has much to say about it and recounts many stories of men and women who faced fear and overcame. In every story, you will notice one thing: they chose to be courageous despite their fear. Overcoming fear is a choice.
James 2:20 tells us that faith without action is dead. Courage is right action in the midst of a difficult situation. It’s feeling the fear but functioning anyway. Fear will keep you paralyzed until you take action. The funny thing about courage is that you never feel courageous until you decide to move forward. Although the fear will often continue to try and push at you, the feelings of strength will come once you have stepped out—not before.
Never forget that you do not face fear alone. God strengthens you, gives you wisdom, and supplies you with overwhelming peace in any circumstance.