Pastor Izzy from Courageous Church recently chatted to Leah and Dan about how you can’t overcome fear with facts. Read what he had to say below.

We’re in Acts chapter 1, verses 3 and 4. This is after Jesus rose from the grave.

The scripture says Jesus appeared to his disciples and gave them many convincing proofs that He was alive. He said, “I am alive. Look at the scars in my hands.”

Over 40 days, He appeared to them and spoke about the kingdom of God. One day, while eating with them, He gave this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem. Wait for the gift my Father promised, which you’ve heard me speak about.”

Now, here’s the thought I want to share: You can’t overcome fear with facts.

Let me break it down. Are you afraid of sharks? Of course! I’m terrified too. But the fact is you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than eaten by a shark. The odds? About 1 in 3.7 million.

Also, did you know most sharks aren’t trying to eat you? They’re just curious. They might even bump you with their nose just to figure out what you are. But does that make you less afraid? Nope. Not one bit.

Fear doesn’t bow to facts.

It’s the same with anxiety. Someone can give you every fact in the world. But sometimes, it’s just not enough. You hit a wall. You end up in the same place the disciples were: I can’t do what Jesus asked me to do unless I’m filled with the Holy Spirit.

That’s what Jesus meant in verse 4: “Don’t leave Jerusalem.” You can’t do this without the Father’s gift, the Holy Spirit. When the disciples were filled, that’s when they could step into what Jesus called them to.

So here’s my encouragement: Overcoming fear isn’t about stockpiling facts. It’s about what you fill yourself with. If you don’t believe, I still encourage you to fill yourself with life-giving things. Don’t binge on dark stuff and then wonder why you feel anxious; what you fill yourself with matters.

But here’s the premium: Fill yourself with the Holy Spirit. That’s where real courage comes from. The disciples had that courage. They faced death. Every one of them was martyred for boldly preaching Jesus. That kind of boldness only comes from the Spirit. It’s powerful. It’s real. And it’s available.

Listen to the Pastor Izzy’s full message below.