Fear Not

Reading Plan

Week 1: "Fear Not Zechariah, God is at Work"

Day 1: God Works in Our Waiting
 
Reading: Luke 1:5-7

Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous, yet they faced years of waiting for a child. Their faithfulness reminds us that God is at work even in our waiting.

Personal Application: What are you waiting on God for in this season? How can you remain faithful during the waiting?

Missional Application: Who in your life is experiencing a season of waiting? How can you encourage them to trust
 God’s faithfulness?

Day 2: God Hears Our Prayers
 
Reading: Luke 1:8-13

Zechariah’s prayer was heard, and God responded with a promise. God hears our prayers even when we feel overlooked.

Personal Application: What prayers have you stopped praying because you feel unheard? How does this passage
encourage you to pray boldly again?

Missional Application: How can you remind someone in your community that God hears their prayers?

Day 3: God’s Plans Are Bigger Than Our Own
 
Reading: Luke 1:14-17

John’s purpose extended beyond what Zechariah and Elizabeth could imagine, preparing the way for Jesus. God’s plans often exceed our understanding.

Personal Application: Where is God asking you to trust His greater plan, even if you can’t see the full picture?

Missional Application: How can you help someone see that their life has a purpose beyond their current circumstances?

Day 4: Aligning with God’s Word Releases His Power
 
Reading: Luke 1:18-20

Zechariah’s doubt led to silence, but his eventual alignment with God’s Word released a prophetic declaration.

Personal Application: In what area of your life are you struggling to believe God’s promises? How can you realign
yourself with His Word?

Missional Application: How can your words of faith and encouragement help someone else trust in God’s promises?

Day 5: God’s Promise Brings Joy and Purpose
 
Reading: Luke 1:21-25

Elizabeth’s conception brought joy and reminded her community of God’s power and faithfulness. God’s promises are never just for us—they bring life to others.

Personal Application: How has God’s faithfulness in your life brought you joy? How can you share that testimony?

Missional Application: Who needs to hear about God’s faithfulness this week? How can your testimony help them see
 His goodness?
Week 2: "Fear Not, Mary: You Have Found Favor with God"

Theme: When Gabriel visits Mary, he tells her not to fear, for she has found favor with God. Despite the life-altering news, Mary responds with faith and obedience. This week focuses on God's favor and how it often calls us into unexpected and challenging situations, but we don’t need to fear because His purposes bring blessing and salvation.

Day 1: The Announcement to Mary

Reading: Luke 1:26-30

The angel's announcement of God's favor to Mary.

Personal Reflection: What is your response when God’s calling disrupts your plans?

Missional Reflection: How can you encourage someone who is facing unexpected challenges in their life?
 
Day 2: The Promise of a Son

Reading: Luke 1:31-33

The angel’s message about Jesus and His eternal reign.

Personal Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus’ kingdom is eternal give you hope in difficult times?

Missional Reflection: How can you share the message of Jesus’ eternal reign with someone who needs hope?

Day 3: The Question of Faith

Reading: Luke 1:34-37

Mary’s question and the angel’s answer about the Holy Spirit’s power.

Personal Reflection: How do you trust in God's power when His plan seems impossible?

Missional Reflection: How can you help someone understand the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming fear?

Day 4: Mary’s Willingness to Obey

Reading: Luke 1:38

Mary's acceptance of God’s plan for her life.

Personal Reflection: What area of your life do you need to surrender to God’s will today?

Missional Reflection: How can you be an example of obedient faith to others who may fear God’s calling?

Day 5: The Blessing of God’s Favor

Reading: Luke 1:39-45

Mary's visit to Elizabeth and her prophetic blessing.

Personal Reflection: How has God shown you favor in your life, even through challenging circumstances?

Missional Reflection: How can you share God’s blessing with someone who may feel overlooked or forgotten?
Week 3: "Fear Not, Joseph: God is at Work in the Unexpected"

Theme: While Joseph’s fear is not directly stated, it is implied in his situation. He faces an unexpected pregnancy and the overwhelming task of protecting the Messiah. God works through unexpected and difficult circumstances to accomplish His purposes.

Day 1: Joseph’s Dilemma

Reading: Matthew 1:18-19

Joseph's initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy.

Personal Reflection: How do you respond to life’s unexpected situations?

Missional Reflection: How can you support someone who is facing an unexpected and difficult circumstance?

Day 2: The Angel’s Message to Joseph

Reading: Matthew 1:20-21

The angel reassures Joseph, telling him not to fear taking Mary as his wife.

Personal Reflection: How do you trust God when His instructions disrupt your plans?

Missional Reflection: How can you be a voice of reassurance for someone who is struggling with fear or uncertainty?

Day 3: Obedience in the Midst of Fear

Reading: Matthew 1:22-23

Joseph obeys the angel’s command and takes Mary as his wife.

Personal Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to act in obedience despite fear?

Missional Reflection: How can you encourage others to trust God’s plan in the midst of difficult or confusing
circumstances?

Day 4: God’s Faithfulness in the Unexpected

Reading: Luke 2:1-3

The census that leads Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

Personal Reflection: How has God used unexpected circumstances to bring about His purposes in your life?

Missional Reflection: How can you help someone see God’s hand at work in the unexpected events of their life?

Day 5: Trusting God’s Greater Plan

Reading: Matthew 1:24-25

Joseph’s obedience to take Mary as his wife and his role in Jesus’ life.

Personal Reflection: How does Joseph’s trust in God’s plan challenge you to trust Him in your own life?

Missional Reflection: How can you demonstrate trust in God’s greater plan to someone who is struggling with doubt or
fear?
Week 4: "Fear Not, Shepherds: Good News of Great Joy"

 
Theme: The angel’s message to the shepherds, “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy,” is the central proclamation of Christmas. This message of joy, peace, and salvation dispels fear and calls all to witness the birth of the Savior.

Day 1: The Angel’s Announcement to the Shepherds

Reading: Luke 2:8-10

The angel appears to the shepherds with a message of great joy.

Personal Reflection: How does the message of great joy in Christ dispel your fears?

Missional Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of great joy today?

Day 2: The Good News of Jesus’ Birth

Reading: Luke 2:11-12

The angel announces the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem.

Personal Reflection: How does knowing Jesus is the Savior change how you view Christmas?

Missional Reflection: How can you share the significance of Jesus' birth with someone this holiday season?

Day 3: A Multitude of Angels Praising God

Reading: Luke 2:13-14

A heavenly host praises God, proclaiming peace and goodwill.

Personal Reflection: What does the angelic praise teach you about worship and gratitude?

Missional Reflection: How can you inspire someone to give praise to God this Christmas season?

Day 4: The Shepherds’ Response of Faith

Reading: Luke 2:15-16

The shepherds decide to go and see the baby Jesus.

Personal Reflection: How can you respond in faith and action to God’s call this Christmas?

Missional Reflection: Who can you invite to “see” Jesus this Christmas through your words and actions?

Day 5: The Shepherds’ Proclamation of the Good News

Reading: Luke 2:17-20

The shepherds share what they have seen and heard, glorifying and praising God.

Personal Reflection: How does sharing the good news of Jesus bring you joy and peace?

Missional Reflection: How can you share the joy and peace of Christmas with those who are far from God?