Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
The well-armed life is faith filled. Not faith in faith rather faith in the Lord Jesus – His Word, His works on our behalf, His precious promises, His empowering Holy Spirit within us. There is much for the flesh to be fearful about, Amen? Yet God tells us over and over and over in Scripture: “Do not Fear”. With Him, we are to have no fear - for He loves us and is with us to guide and protect us from the fiery arrows of the evil one. John writes in 1 John 4:18-19 (NIV): “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.” God loves us and there is no fear in love. Our fear is to give way to our faith in all the promises of our loving God. “Lord, You said…” is the believers right to claim. Indeed, every promise in Scripture is “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ. And faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” as Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) tells us. That is what the ancients were commended for and God continues to commend great faith in His children.
When our eyes are fixed upon the God of all creation and not the “mountain” before us we take heart. Our problems pale in the light of His power and love. Isaiah’s words come to mind here in Isaiah 43:1B-5A (NIV): “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:1-5 (NIV). God does not often remove our “mountains” rather He takes us through it and they become our testimony of His faithfulness to us.
We are to set our eyes firmly on the Almighty God – He is our refuge and strength – an ever present help in our hour of trouble. He strengthens us and upholds us with His all-powerful righteous right hand. Oh, child of the King, what more do we need than this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:1-2 (NIV)