Don’t be intimidated. Eventually, everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don’t hesitate to go public now. Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
Matthew 10:26-28 MSG
Do you struggle to live with fearless faith in God in the face of opposition? In this passage, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as they proclaim the kingdom of God. Despite the certainty of persecution and rejection, Jesus urges them to have fearless faith in God and boldly share the truth:
Jesus reminds His disciples that the truth will eventually be revealed. He calls them to embrace fearless faith in God, boldly proclaiming the gospel without holding back. Although the mystery of the kingdom and God’s ultimate plan may seem hidden now, one day, God will make everything clear to everyone. This assurance gives believers the courage to act without fear.
As followers of Christ, we must not allow threats or intimidation to silence our testimony. Jesus emphasises that earthly threats can only affect our physical bodies, not our souls. He encourages us to develop reverence for God, who holds ultimate authority over both body and soul.
Rather than fearing human opposition, we are to revere God and trust Him fully. This perspective strengthens us to remain faithful, knowing that our relationship with God and His eternal promises far outweigh temporary challenges.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego offers a powerful example of fearless faith in God. When threatened with death by fire for refusing to worship a golden idol, they confidently declared their trust in God:
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up
Daniel 3:17-18, NIV
These men exhibited the same courage Jesus calls for in Matthew 10:28. Their faith in God’s power and sovereignty outweighed their fear of earthly threats. Eventually, God delivered them from the flames by miraculous intervention.
In conclusion, living with fearless faith in God means trusting Him above all else and boldly standing for truth, even in the face of adversity. Jesus reminds us that while there is a limit to human power, God’s authority spans eternity, encompassing both body and soul. This eternal perspective empowers believers to remain steadfast in the faith, courageously sharing the gospel and honouring God.
Let us be inspired to live with fearless faith in God. And let us trust in His sovereignty, finding strength in His promises, regardless of the challenges we face.
