Faith over Fear 8-Week Challenge: Day 11

Week Three:

Why Choose Faith over Fear?

There are many Scriptures that reference fear. The exact phrase, “Fear not” appears over 60 times in the King James Version. The words “do not be afraid” show up roughly 77 times in the NIV. It should be no surprise then that fear and anxiety are a major problem with so many folks today. It should be no surprise then that fear and anxiety are a major problem with so many folks today. There was an element of fear in these responses. Living in fear is draining, exhaustive, and crippling. Faith, on the other hand, produces the opposite effects - rejuvenation, revitalization, and growth. We are encouraged to by live by faith instead of doubt and fear. Since, rear is the opposite of faith. If we only trust in the things that we can see in this world we will be fearful. On a regular basis, we are dealing with terrorism - domestic and international, economic downturns, natural disasters, health scares, unemployment. We are consumed by what the future will look like for our children. However, he Bible provides excellent comfort on why we need not live in fear. Discouragement can be debilitating. It can cause you to give up trying, give up hoping, and give up caring. While you may feel there are too many obstacles for you to overcome, you have inside you everything you need to overcome every challenge.

The antidote to fear of course is faith. For the Christian, our faith is in God. He is the object of our faith, and the one on Whom it rests and we are told to fear (respect, revere) the Lord. Ultimately, when we are fearful or living in fear, we are only relying on ourselves, and we know our limitations. We think with a limited mindset. But God is not like that, for He’s not like us in this regard, He is also above all, understands all, and controls it all. Instead of relying on our limited capabilities and possibilities, we must trust and hold on to an unlimited God and in so doing live by faith instead of fear. If we are ever in fearful situations, and knowing God gives us the faith and corresponding actions, to make the best decisions at the time. If you spend significant time digging into the Word and take His words to heart, you will recognize how much God cares for us and does not want us to be fearful regardless of what we are dealing with. You will have to choose to believe what He says, not what you think. This will take time, but new circumstances will always provide opportunities for choosing faith. You won’t perfect this on this earth, but you can get pretty close because you are not doing this alone. Abraham is known as the father of faith, because he believed God, many times he struggled to trust the Lord and made a few missteps along his journey of faith. However, his faith continue to grow stronger each day, through various oppositions and trials. He ultimately believed God’s promise to give him a son even though he and Sarah were both very old.“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” Hebrews 11:8 (NKJV).

Faith or fear - what will it be for you?

Fear is one of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. Worry, anxiety, fear can overwhelm you with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision. If faith in God and His promises typically govern your thoughts, you will make choices that honor Him for the most part. Acts of obedience will characterize your life because of the trust you have in Him. Your starting point is faith, and everything else birth from and proceeds out. This is the path we all take as believers. The walk of faith begins at salvation and continues until we reach heaven. At first we may stumble, but along the way, our focus should begin to shift: instead of focusing on the obstacles facing us, we look to the Lord. But if fear controls your thoughts, you will be ineffective, immobilized, and even disobedient to the call God has on your life. You will not make wise decisions.“And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours ”Matthew 25:25(NKJV).

Choose FAITH over FEAR:

In time, our life will begin to revolve around the Lord. When our prayers are not answered immediately, we’ll rely on His wisdom and trust He will answer in His way and time. In the midst frailities, failures and sin, we’ll cultivate a heavenward perspective by means of prayer and meditation on Scripture. Instead of responding to uncertainties with fear and fretting, we’ll focus on God’s sovereignty and promises. Fear was the downfall of King Saul. Now there was a guy that clearly operated out of fear! He was more concerned with what people thought about him than God (1 Samuel 15:24). He disobeyed an explicit command from the Lord and as a result, was removed from his position as Israel’s first king. (1 Samuel 15:18-19, 26). David’s life, conversely, was characterized by his faith. As a young man, he set out to kill a giant with a simple sling and five small rocks. He didn’t consider the size or strength of his opponent when he went out against him. (1 Samuel 17:32). David was more concerned for God’s glory than his well-being. (1 Samuel 17:26). He boldly faced Goliath because he trusted in the God he served. (1 Samuel 17:37). That was his starting point. All the other men there? Fear paralyzed them (1 Samuel 17:11). They didn’t dare come against this big bad dude, no matter how much he taunted them (1 Samuel 17:8-10). It took a young boy to show them what trust in God looked like (1 Samuel 17:45-47). Think about all the bricks on your fear side. They are finite and has limits, you will have struggle to overcome or overtake. However, on the faith side? That is infinite and there is no limit to the reasons you have to trust God. Because, He is infinite and far greater than battle, challenge or struggle you will have to face or you can wrap your mind around (Psalm 147:5, Revelation 1:8). Following Jesus will be uncomfortable and even costly. It requires sacrifice. You will be called to face your fears as you follow Him, even those things that make you afraid. Jesus has His warning sign.