Faith Versus Fear | Northstar Church

“For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.“– Isaiah 41:13.

Fear, panic, uncertainty… it’s understandable that people are concerned. Sometimes fears are irrational, while other times our fears are warranted. However, as people of faith, Jesus’ followers are not to let fear overwhelm us. We are called to walk by faith, not fear. This is much easier said than done, so how can we keep fear from consuming our lives – especially when facing very legitimate fear and uncertainties?

The benefits of a life without fear hardly have to be stated. Most people would agree that the benefits of living in peace would be incalculable. But fear is a constant obstacle to living in peace. But rather than looking for suggestions and solutions to overcoming your fear and anxiety, what if you replaced your fear with faith.

We can’t eliminate all of life’s uncertainties, but we can change our response. We can move from living stuck in fear to stepping out in courage and faith. What’s the key? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus knew that we would be afraid. That is why we read “fear not” over and over again in the Bible. God knows that we alone cannot overcome our fears. Fortunately His love and grace enable us to conquer our fears. The good news is God does not want us living in fear. Remember His power, love, presence, and trustworthiness. Remember His faithfulness. The reality is that Christ is with us and He is at work in and through us. He is on our side, protecting us always.

Jesus asks us to turn our fear over to Him. Replace that fear with the love, power, and sound mind that He did give us. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) His presence is the answer to our fear. Fight fear with a faithful, indescribable God. The only way to deal with fear is to face it head-on before it takes over your life. Trust that God is for us and if God is for us what do we have to fear? “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

Fear is always going to be a part of this thing called faith. But when faith and fear collide, faith wins the day. John Wesley said, “I have never known more than fifteen minutes of anxiety or fear. Whenever I feel fearful emotions overtaking me, I just close my eyes and thank God that He is still on the throne reigning over everything, and I take comfort in His control over all the affairs of my life.”

Discussion Questions:

What fears do you have in your life today?
What can we do this week to give those fears to God?