Fear is powerful. It often holds us back and keeps us focused on the worst case scenario and the problem instead of the solution or our God who can create big things in our lives. In fact, the Bible says he can do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20, English Standard Version).

Fear is also paralyzing. I know. Because I’ve let it hold me back before. You know those moments where you sit with it, wrestling with it in your heart and in your gut so long that the right moment passed and you can’t see the other side. But God gives us hope.

Just like Joshua before he marched into the Promised Land, God says to us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, English Standard Version)

Did you catch the part where God “commanded” Joshua to be strong and courageous? He didn’t leave him an out. He gave him clear instruction, and Joshua knew that to say “no” would be turn his back on his God and his purpose.

But after the command, God gave a promise: the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

That gives me chills just thinking about it, especially when I think about how we have that same presence of God not only with us but also in us.

Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26, English Standard Version)

That Holy Spirit not only dwells in us but helps us remember who we are and what we’re here to do with our lives. We carry around the Holy Spirit to give us courage to overtake fear and to step out into faith and use our gifts and pursue our purpose, and he gave it to us because he knew we would face fears and trials.

All throughout the Bible, we see God working through individuals and compelling them to move forward in big situations that were scary because it was his purpose and his presence they were counting on.

Abraham left everything behind to become the nation that would be God’s chosen people.

Moses took a stand to lead Israel out of Egypt and into the promised Land because God asked him to.

David walked up to a giant with a slingshot and a prayer because he was anointed and devoted to God.

Peter got out of the boat and faced the waves because His Savior asked him to.

You see, God’s call always comes with God’s presence because he knows that we will need him in those moments more than ever. And the closer we draw to him, the less Satan will win in the battle of fear and faith.

In your business, you will see so many circumstances that feel too big. Maybe even your business purpose feels that way. You’ve got a God-sized dream because you have a God-sized God, and in pursuit of that you’ll be challenged with fear in finances, in serving, and in making a difference. But that’s what God wants from us—to fulfill the purpose He’s called us to.

Those moments are when we have the choice. Faith or fear. Courage or chaos.

We have the power to chose faith and courage because He is with us.

Bravery, Just Another Word for Obedience