“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain.”
—1 Corinthians 15:10

Reflection

Most of Paul’s letters begin the same way: grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. His grace is His favor that is poured out upon His children, even when we do not deserve it. It is the marvelous grace of our loving Lord.

Are you afraid of suffering? God’s grace is sufficient for you. Are you afraid of growing old? God’s grace is sufficient for you. Are you afraid of dying? Indeed, God’s grace is sufficient for you. 

No matter what your fear might be, God’s grace is there for you, empowering you to be free from fear, to overcome and be victorious. Because God’s grace is at work in our lives, there is nothing to fear. He will be with us, working on our behalf.

Jesus has overcome the world. This means that through Him, we have overcome the world as well. Believing this helps us to experience peace and blessing as we abide in Him.

Look at how God’s grace helped the apostle Paul. He was on his way to Jerusalem, knowing that bonds and afflictions awaited him. Yet Paul did not consider his life dear to himself. What mattered was that he finish his course and the ministry he had received from the Lord Jesus, to testify of the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:22–24).

Knowing that suffering awaited him, many tried to dissuade Paul from going. But he answered that he was ready not only to be bound but to die for the sake of the gospel (Acts 21:13). God’s amazing grace had set him free from fear. He was ready to die for the sake of Messiah Jesus.

It’s possible for us to have the same strength the Holy Spirit gave Paul, empowering us to go through any situation we may face without fear, strengthened with divine might, with the same power that raised Christ from the dead.

This includes social fears. Some people go through life with the fear of other people, which at its root is often a fear of rejection. Intimidated by the world, we may try to shrink into the background, afraid we will be rejected or ridiculed.

But Jesus desires us to be a light upon a hill. We cannot hide our light from others. The presence of Christ should exude from our life in both word and deed.

Beloved, we must step out in faith and believe God’s promises. As we do, God’s grace will enable us to do what we thought we could not do.

Application

• Consider the circumstances that are causing you fear. Believe that God’s grace is sufficient to strengthen you through each one.
• Step out in faith where fear has been holding you back, trusting the Holy Spirit to give you the strength you need.

Prayer

God, I come to You now in the name of Yeshua, seeking Your grace and strength to help me. Thank You, Father, for Your all-sufficient grace that will see me through. Thank You for strengthening me to face all the circumstances of my life. Strengthen me to face life in all its circumstances without fear, by Your Spirit, Your truth, and Your Word. Help me step out in faith and let my light shine for You. Amen.