Faith vs. Fear

This is a time in our world when many people have a lot of fear – fear of the coronavirus, fear our finances won’t hold out, fear of losing our job, fear we will lose our business.  This virus makes us have a fear of helplessness.  Not only do we fear the coronavirus and how it affects us and our family, but all kinds of fears invade our minds.  Maybe it’s fear of public speaking, fear of heights, fear of rejection, fear of flying, fear of crossing bridges, fear of elevators, fear of water, etc. 

Fear is very common to us all from time to time, but we want the world to think that we have our lives under control and fear isn’t an issue.  It’s something we really don’t discuss not even with our friends.  If you let it, it can dig down deep in your life and then dominate you.  It shows up in all kinds of ways.  It can show in your behavior.  It can show up by you lying, making excuses, and even in denial.  It shows up as anxiety, nervousness, worry, stress, tension, bad attitude, and even in our health.  It impacts your thinking and decision making.  We all have or have had some kind of fear.

Fear is opposite from faith.  Hebrews 11:1 describes faith.  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hope can’t be separated from faith, because without hope, there can be no faith.  Fear is lacking faith and denying the hope God’s gives you.  When you grow in faith, fear leaves you.

Jesus knew we would be afraid and we would doubt.  He said “Fear not” over and over again.  But sometime fear is a good thing.  Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the will to persevere in the face of fear.  It is a feeling and it will pass if we realized what it is.  We need to remember that Jesus is with us and is on our side protecting us always.  We can’t run from fear.  We must deal with it.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31.  We must trust in what He said.  We can use the weapons He has given us – His Word, talking with Him in prayer, our church, Christian friends who are there for us and who encourage us along the way.

God doesn’t want us to walk in fear.  He tells us in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything…”  He goes on to say, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellence or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:8-9. 

Isaiah 41:10 – “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  “Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

God doesn’t condemn us for our fear, but He wants to free us from it.  He gives us the power to overcome fear.  We can arm ourselves with God’s armor found in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Faith and fear cannot exist together.  Faith can deliver us from fear and worry because it’s the opposite of unbelief.  Faith is a gift from God.  It is an absolute belief that God is constantly working behind the scenes in all areas of our lives no matter our circumstances. 

What can you do to rid yourself of fear?  You need to have faith and trust in God, because He is sovereign and in control.  So take your eyes off yourself and answer fear with the truth of God’s Word.  Let faith take the place of your fear.  Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.”  Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  When you are not in constant intimacy with God, that’s when fear and panic can take hold.  If you give God only crumbs of your time and attention, your faith can weaken.  When you walk close with God and trust Him daily in all situations, your fears will be conquered.  So stay in His Word and stay in communication with God through prayer.  Then trust Him and your fears will disappear.  God’s got this!

What fears do you have in your life?

Do your fears cause you shame?

Do your fears lead you to doubt your faith?

What do you do at the first sign of fear?

Do you turn to God in prayer?

                                    Faith vs. Fear

                        While fear cowers, faith stands.

                        While fear frets, faith prays.

                        While fear looks within, faith looks to Jesus.

                        While fear despairs, faith hopes.

Principle:  Fear cripples, but faith sets us free.

Prayer to Fight Fear with Faith

Dear Father,

We live in a chaotic time right now.  You know my struggles and that my mind is limited and weak.  I confess that I sometime look at my situation with fear.  Help me to fight back against this fear with faith in your Word and your truth.  Calm my thoughts and my emotions.  Help me stay focused on you and not on my fear.  Help me not to be anxious about anything.  Give me strength to be thankful for my blessings and not grumble.  Thank you, Lord, for who you are and that you are in control and I am not.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.                                                                            

Join me here next time. -- I encourage you to trust in and have faith in Jesus.

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