COURAGE

 

Faith Acting in the Face of Fear

Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards

Beloved children,

Courage is not the absence of fear—it's obedience in the presence of fear. It's doing what God calls you to do even when your knees are shaking and your heart is pounding. It's stepping forward when everything in you wants to step back. It's saying yes to God even when you can't see how it will work out.

Every significant step of faith in my life has required courage. When God called me into ministry, I was terrified. Who was I to preach? What if I failed? What if people rejected me? When God called me to start a new work, I was afraid of financial instability and the responsibility. When God called me to confront sin in our community, I was afraid of backlash and misunderstanding. But each time, I learned that God doesn't call the equipped—He equips the called.

The Bible is filled with examples of courageous faith. Think of Esther, who risked her life to approach the king uninvited, saying "If I perish, I perish." Think of David, who faced Goliath when seasoned warriors cowered in fear. Think of the disciples, who left everything to follow Jesus without knowing where He would lead them. Think of the early church, who preached the Gospel despite persecution and martyrdom.

What made them courageous? Not confidence in themselves, but confidence in God. They knew that if God had called them, He would sustain them. They knew that obedience was more important than comfort. They knew that some things are worth dying for—or at least worth facing our fears for.

I've learned that courage is contagious. When one person steps out in faith, it gives others permission to do the same. When you courageously share your testimony, others find courage to share theirs. When you courageously pursue your calling despite obstacles, others find courage to pursue theirs. Your courage creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond what you can see.

Courage is also required in everyday situations. It takes courage to apologize when you're wrong. It takes courage to set boundaries with people you love. It takes courage to leave an unhealthy relationship. It takes courage to speak truth when everyone else is silent. It takes courage to be different, to stand for righteousness when it's unpopular, to swim against the current of culture.

But here's what I want you to understand: courage doesn't mean you won't be afraid. I've been afraid many times in my life—still am sometimes. But I've learned that fear and faith can coexist. You can be scared and still be obedient. You can tremble and still move forward. Courage isn't about feeling brave—it's about acting on faith despite your feelings.

The enemy wants to paralyze you with fear. He wants you to play it safe, stay comfortable, avoid risk. But God is calling you to courageous faith. He's calling you to trust Him with your dreams, your fears, your future. He's calling you to step out of the boat and walk on water, even though the waves are high.

What's God calling you to do that requires courage? What dream have you buried because of fear? What conversation do you need to have? What step of obedience have you been avoiding? Today, I'm encouraging you to be courageous. Not in your own strength, but in His. Not because you're fearless, but because you're faithful. Take that step. Have that conversation. Pursue that calling. God will meet you there.

Courageously following, 

Matriarch Elnette Edwards