May our lives startle hell and bless humanity!
This is what came to mind as I had some quiet time this morning. It’s partially a quote by E.W. Kenyon who said, “Righteousness made Jesus absolute master of every situation. If the believer knew that he was the Righteousness of God as Jesus knew He was, he would use the Name of Jesus with a fearlessness that would startle hell and bless humanity.”
Fearlessness.
This is a rare commodity in our generation. This word used to describe the toddler who climbed trees or jumped off furniture. And in the world of extreme sports, you might hear it on occasion when describing the person who faces a steep slope, big wave, or bottleneck ramp. But I don’t think this is what Kenyon was referring to.
Obviously, to be fearless means to be without fear, bold or brave. But here’s a few more words that paint a good picture for us: assured, confident, courageous, daring, dauntless, heroic, sure, unflinching, valiant, and wise.
The devil has always used fear to intimidate God’s children, but God wants US to intimidate the devil (not the other way around). The Bible says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him, I will trust'” (Psalm 91:1-2). Or we could say, “My God, in Him, I will [not fear].”
Abiding is the key.
The key to being fearless of the enemy or his tactics is to abide in God. To abide means to “indeed remain.” In other words, don’t just “abide” in God on Sundays. If you want to live a life that startles hell and blesses humanity, you must continually abide in God.
And notice the second ingredient: “I will say of the Lord…”
What are you saying? This is very important! Your words either empower you or snare you–and the devil knows it! When your confession (despite what you’re facing) is, “God is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him, I will trust [and not fear]” —a boldness will rise up within you to stand toe-to-toe with your mountain. And the result of this kind of faith?
God rescues you from hidden traps, and shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance… Yes, because God’s your refuge, your very own home.
Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door.
[God] orders his angels to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
(Psalm 91:3-4,9-13, Message Translation)
But remember, this isn’t just about being fearless. It’s about startling hell and blessing humanity. When you choose to abide in God, not only are you empowered, but the enemy is shocked! And others, who may be weak in faith, are strengthened by yours!
“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble; I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, and be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, giving you a long drink of salvation” (verses 14-16).
So my challenge for us today is DO IT! Go be fearless! STARTLE HELL and BLESS HUMANITY! Abide in Him and walk in the confidence that God is on your side!
