Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
3 21 2025
“Faith Over Fear: How to Walk Boldly in God’s Strength”
From Surviving to Thriving: Walking in the Joy of Our Salvation
Do you ever feel like you’re just surviving—going through the motions, longing for something more but unsure what it is? Do you wonder if everyone has an impossible dream, or is it just you?
As believers, we know we are born again. We trust that we will spend eternity with Christ. But what about now? Life can feel like a daily grind—whether financially, relationally, socially, or physically—it often seems like we’re just getting by. Weary. Waiting for the dry season to end.
Yes, we acknowledge our blessings. But the pressures and sheer pace of life can squeeze the joy right out of us. Too often, we start searching for joy and fulfillment in the wrong places—possessions, vacations, social circles—only to find that lasting joy is nowhere to be found. If I’m being honest, I’ve felt my joy fading at times.
So, let’s talk about the book of Philippians and what it means to truly walk in the joy of our salvation.
Paul’s Perspective on Joy
Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from prison, near the end of his life. The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus to support him (Phil. 2:25; 4:18), and in return, Paul sent this letter—not because they were in crisis, but out of gratitude, love, and encouragement. Despite his suffering, his focus was on sharing the joy and faith of God with his spiritual children.
Paul’s message is clear: We are meant to do more than just survive in this world—we are called to a life overflowing with peace and joy.
Where Do You Get Your Encouragement?
When I was 25, I owned my own sales organization. Early on, my ability to sell was critical. But as the company grew, I spent more time managing and motivating my team. Some weeks, sales didn’t go well, and payroll had to be made. That’s when I dusted off my demonstration briefcase, got in my car, and put in a Zig Ziglar cassette tape.
By the time I arrived at my appointment, I was so fired up, I almost felt sorry for the customer—I wasn’t leaving without a sale. And back then, a single sale was $600-$700—not a small amount.
So, let me ask you: Are you struggling to meet your emotional payroll? Your relational payroll? Your peace, forgiveness, or understanding payroll?
And if so, do you have a Zig Ziglar cassette tape for your soul?
Going Back to the Basics
Where do you go when you need encouragement? It amazes me that after all these years as a believer, I still have to return to what Vince Lombardi once told his team: “This is a football.”
Sometimes, I have to remind myself, “This is the Bible.”
This is God’s divine instruction manual. It holds the answers—every time. And yet, too often, it’s not the first place we go. It’s the second, third, or last.
A Lesson from My Daughter
When my daughter, Danae, was in fifth grade, her Christian school planned a four-day trip to Key West. But she had never slept away from home, and fear paralyzed her. We did a trial sleepover at her best friend’s house, and sure enough, she locked herself in the bathroom, crying. We had to pick her up.
We prayed with her, but it wasn’t enough. I talked to her about fear—how it paralyzes us and keeps us from experiencing what God has for us. Together, we found five or six scriptures on faith, courage, and God’s strength.
She wrote those scriptures on her bathroom mirror. She read them daily. We reviewed them every night. When the day came, we woke her at 5 AM to catch the bus at 6 AM. And she went.
Later, her teacher sent us a picture—Danae, sitting on her top bunk, smiling… Victory.
Faith Over Fear: Walking Boldly in God’s Strength
Why do we, as adults, struggle so much to go back to the basics? “This is the Bible.” This is God’s Word.
It never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). It is our foundation, our source of strength, and our weapon against fear, doubt, and paralysis.
Fifty years ago, Zig Ziglar was my go-to for getting my mind right before a big sale. But God’s Word must be our ultimate go-to for living. There is no other way.
Ephesians 6:10 says, “When you have done all else, stand.” The only way to stand is on the rock of His Word. It is the shield that protects us from the arrows of the enemy, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
It’s simple: Faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountains (Matthew 17:20). But do we really believe that? Or do we let our doubts win?
God has given us a way to change that. Write the scriptures that speak to your mountain. Put them on your mirror. Save them on your phone. Speak them every time fear or doubt tries to take up residence in your mind.
Say, “No, in the name of Jesus! I will not submit to fear. I will not be paralyzed. I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and my God will deliver me!”
This isn’t just a dad story. It’s truth. And it’s for you.
We carry with us something greater than any motivational speaker—the never-failing, always-powerful – – Word of God –
Start using it. And watch your life change.
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My website to view past devotions is https://fearlesslycourageous.com
Lauren Daigle Wordless https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0OdHu4BHQM:03
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