Favor Fridays with Tony™: The Favor of God’s Protection— Why You Don’t Have to be Afraid — Not Today, Not Ever
- Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Introduction: A Fear Not for Every Day of the Year
Family, today’s message is one that God has been whispering to His people since the beginning of time:“Do not be afraid.”
It’s one of the most repeated commands in all of Scripture — appearing roughly 365 times. That’s one “Fear not” for every single day of the year.
And here’s what that tells me:God knew fear would try to visit us daily. But He also gave us a daily reminder that His presence and protection are stronger than anything that could come against us.
So while the world celebrates Halloween — a day that glorifies fear, darkness, and the things that go bump in the night — we as believers celebrate a greater truth: we are covered by the favor of God’s protection.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: For every day fear tries to speak, God already wrote a “Fear not.”
The Power of God’s Presence Over Fear
One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10 (NIV):
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
That verse doesn’t just offer comfort — it offers covenant. God doesn’t promise that fear won’t try to show up. He promises that when it does, He’ll already be standing beside you.
The presence of God drives out fear.That’s why the enemy tries to magnify darkness — to make us forget who’s really in control.
But when you walk in divine protection, you walk with confidence, not cowardice. You don’t tremble at shadows because you know the Light is with you.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: Fear loses its power when you remember Who walks with you.
Fear is a Thief, Not a Friend
Fear will always disguise itself as caution or logic, but make no mistake — it’s a thief. It steals your joy, your confidence, and your peace.
That’s why Joshua 1:9 (KJV) says:
“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Fear tries to paralyze you, but faith propels you. Fear says, “What if?” but faith says, “Even if.”
The truth is, fear and favor can’t live in the same space. One always drives the other out.
If you’re filled with fear, you can’t fully receive favor. But if you’re filled with favor, fear has no room to stay.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: Fear and favor can’t share the same address — one must move out.
God’s Protection Is Personal
When God says, “Fear not,” He’s not speaking to a crowd — He’s speaking to you.
He’s the same God who told Moses not to fear Pharaoh. The same God who told Joshua not to fear giants. The same God who told Mary not to fear her calling. The same God who told the disciples not to fear the storm.
And He’s the same God who tells you today:
“Don’t fear what you see. Fear not, because I’m with you.”
Psalm 91:1–2 (NIV) says:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
When you live under divine protection, fear becomes optional. You’re no longer living defensively — you’re living confidently.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: Protection is not the absence of danger — it’s the presence of God.
The “Fear Not” Blueprint
Let’s look at how consistently God says it throughout Scripture:
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you…”
Joshua 1:9 (KJV): “Be strong and of a good courage…”
John 14:27 (NIV): “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Luke 12:32 (KJV): “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
From Genesis to Revelation, God doesn’t just say “fear not” — He shows us why.
He reminds us that:
We don’t have to fear because He is near.
We don’t have to panic because He has a plan.
We don’t have to hide because He is our covering.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: God’s “Fear not” isn’t a suggestion — it’s a shield.
The Spiritual Side of Protection
Protection isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Some of the most dangerous attacks don’t come from outside — they come from within. Anxiety, doubt, and worry are just fear wearing different clothes.
But God’s favor covers your mind too.That’s why Philippians 4:7 (NIV) says:
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When the peace of God is guarding your thoughts, fear can’t manipulate your emotions.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: God doesn’t just protect your body — He fortifies your mind.
Living in a World Obsessed with Fear
Look around — fear sells. It’s in our news, our media, our politics, even our social feeds. But as believers, we don’t have to buy what the world is selling.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
That means fear is not a personality trait — it’s an intruder. And the only power it has is the power you give it.
So when fear knocks on your door, you don’t have to answer. Let faith respond instead.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: Fear may knock daily, but faith holds the keys.
When You Feel Afraid Anyway
Even the strongest believers face moments of fear. David did. Elijah did. The disciples did. But every time they brought that fear to God, He turned it into faith.
It’s not that you’ll never feel fear — it’s that you don’t have to live in it.
When fear rises, speak the Word louder. When anxiety whispers, worship harder. When darkness looms, shine brighter.
Because fear can’t stand in the presence of praise.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: Worship is the sound of fear leaving the room.
A Personal Reflection: God’s Protection in My Life
I can’t count the number of times I’ve looked back and realized God’s hand was protecting me from danger I didn’t even see coming.
There were moments I thought something was falling apart — but in truth, God was shielding me. There were times I missed opportunities — only to find out later that what I thought was rejection was actually redirection.
And I’ve learned that divine protection doesn’t always look like a miracle — sometimes it looks like a closed door, a delayed flight, or a quiet “no.”
That’s favor too. Because protection is God saying, “I see what you can’t.”
Tony’s Favor Fact™: Sometimes God’s “no” is His loudest form of protection.
How to Walk in the Favor of God’s Protection
If you want to live unafraid and confident in His covering, here’s how:
Stay in His presence. Fear fades when you stay close to the source of peace.
Speak His promises daily. Declare “fear not” Scriptures over your life like spiritual armor.
Guard your atmosphere. Fear spreads fastest through conversation — stay around faith, not fear.
Pray before you panic. When worry tries to rise, worship first.
Rest in His record. If He’s protected you before, He’ll do it again.
Tony’s Favor Fact™: Faith remembers what fear forgets — that God has never failed.
A Prayer for God’s Protection and Peace
Lord, thank You for surrounding me with Your protection. Thank You for every “fear not” You’ve spoken into my life. When I feel anxious, remind me that You are near. When I’m tempted to worry, teach me to worship instead. Guard my mind, cover my home, protect my family, and calm my heart. I refuse to live in fear because I am covered by Your favor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Word: Fear Not, You’re Covered
Family, there are 365 “fear nots” in the Bible for a reason. God didn’t just want to comfort you — He wanted to cover you.
So whether it’s Halloween or any other day of the year, walk in this truth: You are divinely protected. You are fearlessly favored.And no weapon formed against you can prosper.
That’s the Favor of God’s Protection.
You don’t have to fear what’s around you when you know Who’s within you.
And if you want to see the power of faith conquering fear, check out my S.O.L.A.D.™ novels — stories where light always triumphs over darkness and courage is born from divine protection.
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