The Gate — J Calaway — Make Today Count — React or Respond

“Fear is a reaction, but courage is a decision.”

Intro – Setting the Tone

Fear is something everyone faces — it’s natural and emotional.

Courage, on the other hand, is spiritual — it’s a choice.

Key thought: Fear shows up automatically, but courage must be chosen intentionally.

Point 1 – Fear Is Natural, but It Doesn’t Have to Be in Control

Fear is a reaction — your body’s way of saying, “This matters.”

The danger comes when fear leads your decisions instead of faith.

2 Timothy 1:7: God gives power, love, and a sound mind — not fear.

Takeaway: Acknowledge fear, but don’t give it the steering wheel.

Point 2 – Courage Is a Decision, Not a Feeling

Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s action in spite of fear.

Joshua 1:9: God commands courage — it’s a choice, not a mood.

Courage chooses obedience over comfort, faith over fear.

Takeaway: Courage is trusting God’s promises even when your emotions don’t line up.

Point 3 – Courage and Faith Walk Hand in Hand

Peter walking on water is a picture of courage in motion (Matthew 14:29–31).

Courage happens when faith steps out before fear steps in.

Keep your focus on Jesus, not the waves.

Ecclesiastes 11:4: Don’t wait for perfect conditions — step out in faith now.

Takeaway: You might not control the storm, but you can control your decision to trust God.

Challenge

Fear is a reaction — but you can decide to respond differently.

Decide to speak truth.

Decide to forgive.

Decide to take the first step.

Make the decision to trust God today.

Final Reminder:

You can’t always control what happens around you —but you can always choose courage within you.

Make today count.