“In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:4, NIV).

I’m amazed when I hear of Christians who, for at least a moment in time, seem to be fearless. The Bible is full of such heroes, individuals whose faith was stronger than their fear. Daniel stood toe to toe with lions. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego kept their cool, and their faith, even while inside a fiery furnace. A stammering Moses found his voice as he faced Pharaoh. And the boy David took down one giant of a man.

Then, there are the Christian martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. The author of Hebrews speaks of those who “…were put to death by stoning… sawed in two.. (and) killed by the sword…” (Hebrews 11:37, NIV). Each of these individuals exchanged the worldly comforts of this life for an eternal reward in Heaven.

Even today, there are Christians who put their lives on the line for their beliefs. Some worship in secret places, because the Word they share is forbidden in public. Missionaries are called to remote regions with no guarantee that they or their message will be received kindly. All over the world, preachers preach and teachers teach the good news Gospel message of what Jesus has done.

Christians throughout the ages have had the courage to stand-up for their faith. May God make each of us fearless as well.