Speaker: Pastor Binay Bhandari

A spiritually strong believer is marked by faith that overcomes fear, obedience to God, and a willingness to sacrifice. In Matthew 1:18–25, although Mary and Jesus are central to God’s redemptive plan, Joseph plays a vital role. His strength is revealed not through words, but through obedience.

Joseph initially struggled with fear—fear of people, reputation, and uncertainty. Yet God spoke to him in Matthew 1:20, saying, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is the opposite of faith, and it often becomes the root of disobedience. Throughout Scripture, fear has aborted many of God’s promises: the spies’ fear delayed Israel’s inheritance, Peter began to sink when fear replaced faith, and Saul disobeyed God because he feared people. A spiritually strong believer learns to identify fear quickly and take it to God before it takes root.

Joseph overcame fear through obedience. Matthew 1:24 shows that as soon as he heard God’s instruction, he acted. Obedience carries the power to defeat fear. The quicker the obedience, the quicker fear loses its grip. God reserves victory over fear on the path of obedience, and only the giant we are willing to face will fall.

Spiritual strength is also seen in alignment with God’s purpose. Joseph obeyed God’s plan concerning Jesus, whose name means salvation and whose identity is Immanuel—God with us. Finally, a spiritually strong believer is marked by sacrifice. Like salt that dissolves to give flavor, believers are called to go the extra mile and bless others, facing fear with God and breaking every limitation through faith and obedience.