The “Fear Not” of Faith

If ever there was a man who needed strong faith it was Joseph.  His espoused wife, Mary, had been told by the angel Gabriel that she, a virgin, would give birth to the Son of God.  Joseph and Mary had never had physical relations, so Joseph knew the child was not his.

Joseph, a good man, was thinking on these things trying to decide the appropriate thing to do.  The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:20)  So Joseph demonstrated his faith and took unto him his wife. This was the “Fear Not” of faith.

Faith must have a foundation.  The foundation of Joseph’s faith was the word of God through the angel of the Lord.  The foundation of our faith is the Word of God also.  “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Paul, while on board a ship that appeared to be domed to sink in a storm at sea, was told by an angel of God to fear not.  Everyone on board will make it to shore.  The apostle declared his “fear not” of faith.  “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” (Acts 27:25)  Have faith. Believe God. Fear not.