Acts 4:23-31

Christians are not fearless, and that is OK.  Experiencing fear is not a sign of weakness, it is not sinful and it does not demonstrate a lack of faith.  Experiencing fear is a normal emotional and physical response to our reason telling we are in danger.  Fear is only irrational if our reasoning is irrational.

When Peter and John reported what the chief priest and Elders had said, the people correctly recognized that they were in danger.  The danger would only increase as the opposition became harsher and more violent in their efforts to silence Christians.  When they experienced fear, they raised their voices together in prayer.  The prayer makes clear that they believe God is sovereign over all the earth and all creation.  They acknowledge that they know bad things happen to good people.  The death of Christ is a perfect example.  At the same time, they believe that nothing happens that God does not allow.  Simple logic reveals that this means God will not always protect them from bad things happening.  Their fear is rational.

They do not ask God to make them fearless.  That would remove fear as an alarm system alerting them to danger, and they would not know to take caution.  They do not ask him to remove their current fear.  The world thinks that way; they look for ways to remove fear.  They use alcohol and drugs to numb their fear.  They ask God to help them respond to their fear rightly; the righteous response to fear is courage.

They want courage to speak the truth about what God has done, and is doing.  They want the courage to share the gospel.  Secondly, they want to continue doing good deeds in the name of Jesus.  They want the world to know Jesus makes things better, not just for eternity but also for today.

Today, fear still requires the same response.  When we are afraid, the Holy Spirit gives us courage. With boldness we share the gospel and do God’s work.