The Cost of the Cowardly

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, 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

My goodness, the scripture above is  a sobering revelation from heaven’s throne room. This verse really convicted me when it comes to dealing with fear and rejecting passivity. When I first read Revelation 21:8 it caused me to think, “Lord I understand the condemnation of the murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, liars etc., but why the cowardly?”. I assumed the cowardly were those who are weak or disadvantaged and associated them with people that should be protected and even cared for. Then the Lord highlighted the very next word in the verse, “unbelieving”. This coward-est is found when a person who claims they are a child of God but will not step out on faith under any circumstances. The person who walks through life like this allows his or her flesh to rule them, in return they cannot bear Godly fruit.

This mentality is rooted in fear. The fear of man, situations, circumstances, more than the fear of God. The coward in this context has allowed doubt to consume him. All of us have doubted God in one way or another and the Lord has grace and forgiveness in this area; however, this should not become a consistent pattern throughout the life of a Christian. Take a moment and think about how you feel personally when someone doubts your ability to accomplish something. When someone says you cannot do something that you have pledged to do, are they thinking highly of you? The answer is clearly no. Now you being made in the image of God ought to understand that the Lord feels the same way. We have feelings because God made us in His image. To doubt Him is to doubt His power, wisdom, provision, and promises. In short it is to doubt that He is truly Lord over your life and wants the best for you. This cowardly unbelief separates you from Him, and that brings about many repercussions.

The coward is extremely good at making excuses as to why not to do something, in turn making him lazy. Proverbs 26:13 says, “A sluggards says, ‘There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!’”. In other words fear is their excuse to lay back down. Something I need to work on is being overly cautious (fear in disguise) when I know God is nudging me to step out on faith. This WILL cause us to miss God’s will for our lives. You see God can’t use a coward to do anything for Him, because it won’t get done.

It sounds harsh, but when we truly have intimacy with our Lord there really is nothing to fear. Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled and God’s word says, that He has not given us the spirit of fear. Believing and trusting in God is not an option, it is a command. If anyone is struggling in the area of unbelief we shouldn’t be discouraged. All we have to do is ask for His help. In Mark 9:24 the demon possessed boy’s father yelled “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” In other words complete my faith. If we have any unbelief in our hearts all we have to do is ask Jesus for help. He is faithful and we would be surprised how much boldness will be given to us.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

We are living in a time where the spirit of fear has been unleashed on the whole of society. Many of us are bound to fear and not walking in faith. I admit there have been so many instances where I ran from God’s calling on my life, or I just played it safe because I wasn’t willing to trust Him fully. However through His grace alone I am realizing nothing on this earth can stop us from what we are called to do, if we just believe. He is preparing us for a great work. We either believe Philippians 4:13 or we don’t. It’s not enough to be called, let’s rise up and be the chosen.

21 Comments

  1. Janelle McCall

    May 5, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    Marc, this was a great read! And undoubtedly a timely and necessary message. Keep ‘em coming.

  2. Marquetta Clair

    May 5, 2020 at 10:13 pm

    This is a wonderful message! I must say I am courageous in A lot of areas in my life. Or should I say when it comes to fear I’m almost I afraid of anything. I just believe I have the strength to fight if anything that comes in my way or I face. However, I never thought about it like I am a coward cause yes I sometimes doubt and not trust the things I’ve asked God to do in my life. So I guess I can say I’m a coward or I’m fearful when it comes to that. But I’m definitely going to work on this area in my life. Thanks for the encouragement. 🙌🏽🙏🏾💜

    • Hey ‘Quett! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I agree some areas of my life the fight comes a lot easier to me, but others I have allowed doubt to take to much ground. God has been burning it out of me day by day. I am excited to see what He is going to do! God bless you always.

  3. Bernice Sanders

    May 5, 2020 at 11:16 pm

    Very inspiring, Marcus! You are allowing God to use you to encourage others. I have many books on faith that I repeatedly read, but your message is clear and thorough. I pray that the Lord will continue to order your steps. I can see your father smiling at the awesome man you have become. Godspeed!

  4. Jennifer Phipps

    May 6, 2020 at 12:57 am

    So good!!

  5. Bow this was a word Marcus! Thank-you!

  6. Leandra Hayes-Burgess

    May 6, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    What a powerful message!

  7. Karen Twitty-Robinson

    May 6, 2020 at 6:11 pm

    This was a very powerful and inspirational message. I love the fact that you backed it up with scripture. Walk in your calling and continue to allow God to use you. ❤️

  8. Gods word is true always.

  9. Blessed man of God… this message hit at the precise time. Just like the song says” He’s an on time God, yes He is..” I just stumbled across your IG after congratulating the mother to be.
    After reading this I realized God has a covenant with me that he wants me to walk boldly in like King David! In order for me to do that I have to rid my cowardly ways. Thanks 🙏🏾

  10. Powerful message Marc, just awesome … “I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God” I’ll walk boldly! Thank you Jesus 🙏.

  11. Andria Parker

    July 10, 2020 at 3:08 am

    Amen! I so needed this right about now. “He’s Able!” You need to join my team.

  12. Wow, “It (may)sounds harsh, but when we truly have intimacy with our Lord there really is nothing to fear.” This is true God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, Love and a sound mind, this is also interpreted self control and discipline! 2Tim 1:17 Fear is not given to us by God, Pauls was telling Timothy and us to stir up, fan, encourage the Holy Spirit in us. Do not let fleshly unholy fear suppress what God has blessed you with!
    Take courage, when you can see through the eyes of faith you will be strong and do exploits!Because you know your God- Dan 11:32 Your confidence and power rest in Him

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