Faith Over Fearনমুনা

It was an ordinary night for the shepherds – cold, quiet, routine. These men were not considered powerful or important people, just humble workers doing what they always did. Watching their flocks by night. Then suddenly, everything changed.

A sky full of glory.
Angels with a message.
A moment soaked in fear.

The shepherds were terrified, and rightly so! This was not the kind of encounter they expected. But the angel’s first words cut through the panic, words we hear often in Scripture: ‘Do not be afraid.’

It’s the same phrase spoken to Zechariah, to Mary, to Joseph. Again and again, God’s invitation to let go of our fear, for something holy is happening.

Good news of great joy for all people. With shaking hands and racing hearts, the shepherds left their field and hurried off to see this thing that had happened. They didn’t wait until fear had passed or the shock had worn off – they moved.

Faith doesn’t mean we’re never afraid. It means we trust God enough to move forward anyway.

Throughout Scripture, we see this kind of courageous obedience. Esther approached the king knowing her life was at risk. Daniel kept praying even when the hungry lions were waiting. Mary said ‘yes’ to God before she knew what it would cost her. Each one faced fear, but faith lit the way.

These lowly shepherds remind us that fear might be part of our story, but it doesn’t have to be the end of it. They left their fields to encounter Jesus and returned glorifying God. They were forever changed.

What might happen if, like them, we let faith shine through fear?

Where is fear holding you back right now – and what might it look like to take a step anyway?

God of light and hope, thank you for meeting us in our ordinary moments. In the ordinary moments of my today, let my faith shine brighter than my fear so that I may glorify you in all I do. Amen.