This month, July, we who are Americans celebrate Independence Day. Let's remember the words of Francis Scott Key, "the land of the free and home of the brave." 

Many don't understand why bravery and courage are so important. It is because the Bible commands us to be brave, courageous, and not to be afraid. Below are a list of sins that God associates with cowards and fearful people:

"But the cowardly (fearful), unbelieving, abominable, murders, sexually immoral, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." -Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)

As a full-time missionary to persecuted countries in Asia for thirteen years I hope my perspective will build your faith, drive away fear, and help us fight for freedom. Some have asked me what I believe is the biggest enemy in America today, and my answer is fear. During December, January, and February, I was in Mainland China, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Korea. Then in March, I visited America. The reactions to COVID-19 that I saw in America were very different than the reactions in Asia. The level of fear in America was exponentially higher than in Asia. While traveling in those countries I flew seven times while COVID-19 was spreading through Asia. Yes many people were using more precautions than normal, but the airports and flights were completely full. In March, I flew four times in America on jets that would normally seat over two hundred passengers, and not one of those flights had more than ten passengers on board. It is clear to me that a spirit of fear from the enemy had bound many Americans.  Later, the fear that many Americans embraced traveled to Asia and took control there as well.

The Bible makes it very plain that fear is not from God: "For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control" - 2 Timothy 1:7-9 (TPT)

Since COVID-19 reached American shores thousands of decisions have been made that are rooted in fear. We must understand that the majority of decisions that you and I make based upon fear will be wrong decisions. Fear is the opposite of faith and freedom, they cannot coexist together.

"...For anything we do that doesn't spring from faith is by definition sinful." - Romans 14:23 (TPT)

As Christians we are not to make decisions based upon fear, finances, or what unbelievers are saying. As sons and daughters of God we should only make decisions based upon the Word of God and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. 

“The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 8:14-16 (TPT)

The Lord wants us free from the bondage of fear. 

Thirteen years ago this Independence Day, I moved from America to Asia with my wife and seven month old son. We only had $35 of monthly financial support. Many sincere Christians tried to convince us not to go because of the Asian bird flu and fear of the government. We ignored them and obeyed God. Today we have thirteen Bible schools with nearly four hundred students, we have rescued over forty teenage girls from sex trafficking, and we care for over seventy orphans. 

As we know and obey Christ, we are set free. Today, stop feeding your fear, open your Bible, feed your faith, and tell someone about the freedom available in Christ!

About Andrew

In 2007 Andrew and his family moved to a persecuted Asian country that is closed to the preaching of the Gospel and started Asia Commission Ministries. Their main focus is training leaders and equipping nationals for the work of the ministry. They have 14 Bible schools in 3 different Asian countries with 396 students. They help locals to develop a personal relationship with the Lord and trust Him to lead, guide and teach them. In addition to studying the Bible, in order to graduate the students must also be actively involved in one or more of Asia Commission’s compassion outreaches. They rescue girls from sex trafficking and operate a rehabilitation home for the rescued girls. They provide education and food for orphaned children and teens. They have ongoing outreaches to lepers living in isolated remote leper colonies. They have ongoing ministry outreaches to remote villages that have never before heard the name of Jesus or the Gospel. They reach these villages through clean drinking water projects, agricultural projects, and micro animal loans. They also have an effective abortion prevention and abortion alternatives ministry. Through their various Bible schools and compassion ministries they have planted 68 Churches in Asia.

To learn more about Andrew and his mission, please contact Grow Churches directly.