2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of sound judgement and personal discipline (abilities that result in a calm, well balanced mind and self-control).

Courage and faith take practice. It takes courage to stand up in faith in the face of opposition and believe beyond what the eye can see. God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind to stand up in courage and faith. When we practice our faith, we will attain the breakthroughs we need.

Hebrews 4:16

Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace and help in time of need.

Suppose we don’t believe God will do what He says regarding finances, healing, guidance, and wisdom. We will not approach God in faith and confidence. We will not receive from God if we don’t believe He will answer our prayer. When we have confidence and no fear, we believe and know we have the answer. 

Psalm 18:1-2

I love You, O Lord my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; my God, my rock and strength in who I trust and take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower-my stronghold. 

This Psalm speaks of a close, trusting relationship with God. David had the experience of relying on God and God providing strength and protection in adverse times. These faith-filled words praise God and build David up in faith. What are we speaking about and building ourselves up in unfavorable times?

Nehemiah 8:10

Then Ezra said to them, “Go (your way), eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.

We have joy in the Lord because we trust in His protection for our lives. We don’t worry or fear; we set ourselves aside to pray and praise the Lord. We celebrate God and all that He is doing for our lives. The joy of the Lord is our strength and stronghold because we have faith in God and His promises. 

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated) for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

We must take God at His word as a born-again believer. When He says to be strong and courageous and not be afraid, God means it. God sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us and go with us everywhere. The Holy Spirit is our go-to guide, that still, soft voice that protects, reassures, and leads us on the right paths.  

Deuteronomy 20:2-4

When you approach the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people, and shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel: you are advancing today to battle against you enemies. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Our job in preparation for every battle is God and the Bible. We use the word as the sword, answer every dart that evil will send to our thoughts, and kick it out. Then, God can fight for us because we activate the Word through faith. If we don’t speak the word and silence the enemy, the Lord cannot help us. Answer all opposition with the Word.

Exodus 15:2

The Lord is my strength and my defense, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will exalt Him.

The Lord has unlimited power and strength; when we lean into that strength, we destroy mountains and shatter all opposition. Jesus died for us to give us that connection to God and world-changing power in our lives. Don’t settle for less than God’s best.

Mark 9:23
Jesus said to him, (You say to Me,) If You can? “All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts (in Me)!”

It doesn’t take immense faith (think mustard seed). It doesn’t take hours of praying, begging God to hear the prayer. It takes belief that is unshakable in God. When we have the sold-out, totally convinced kind of faith with no doubts about what we believe and who we believe in! Then God will hear our prayer and make sure we receive our victory.

Luke 18:27
But He said, The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.

Being human means having a limited understanding of the world and how everything works. Being God means He created all those things we don’t understand and has infinite possibilities. Now, between those two options, which one should we turn to in our time of need? When we remind ourselves daily that nothing is impossible for God and turn to Him for the answers our lives will be transformed by miracles.

Jeremiah 32:27
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?

As we study the Bible and learn about our amazing God, we should raise our expectations. We should no longer expect to live in poverty, sickness, depression, anger, sadness, and defeat but learn to transform into the image of Jesus here on earth. We step over into the realm of nothing impossible for God. No longer are we limited but connected through faith and salvation to a heavenly source.