What does the Bible say about faith being bigger than our fears?
Most of us would agree that fear has the power to paralyse us. Our fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of the future, fear of the past – they can all take a toll on our emotions, decision-making and life choices. But can anything beat this fear? The Bible tells us that the answer is YES – and that the answer is our faith. Through our faith we can find strength, courage and hope to rise above all of our fears.
The Bible says; “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Here we can see that faith conquers fear, because God has not given us a spirit of fear – instead, he has given us the power of love. This means that our faith is much stronger than anything that has the power to hold us back and fear cannot overpower or control us.
Believing in something greater than our own fears gives us the strength we need to face them head on. At times, we might be afraid to step out and take the necessary action to make the things we want in our lives happen; but when we put our trust in God and believe that He has our best interests at heart, we will be more willing and able to do the things that are needed to get to where we want to go, no matter our fears.
The Bible encourages us to be brave and courageous in the face of our fears and to trust in God’s guidance and love. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). With God by our side, we can be reassured that He will provide us with the strength and protection that we need to succeed.
The Bible also encourages us to meditate on His word, to find peace and assurance when things are uncertain. The psalmist wrote; “I have overwhelmed my enemies by meditating on your Word. I have set my hope in your promise more than in weapons of warfare” (Psalm 18:17). Here we can see that faith and hope, both found in the Bible, are more powerful than even weapons of warfare, so can have no issue surpassing any of our fears.
We might think that we are not strong enough to overcome our fears, but God has given us the power and courage we need to rise above them. Every one of us is given the same grace and strength, for it is God who gives us our faith and helps us to overcome our fears. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (John 5:4).
In conclusion, the Bible assures us that our faith is far greater and more powerful than our fears will ever be. If we put our trust in God’s love and faithfulness, we can find the courage to rise above our fears and go on to reach our goals and ambitions.
Does Faith Always Trump Warnings?
It’s important to understand that faith in God doesn’t mean ignoring common-sense warnings and precautions. A number of Bible passages emphasize the importance of exercising wisdom when navigating life – it says in Proverbs 14:15, for example, that the “simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps,” and Proverbs 16:17 advises that “the highway of the upright avoids evil.” While faith should always trump fear, sometimes it’s wise to fear the right things!
On the other hand, some of the great biblical examples of faith make it clear that there are times when it’s true that “fear has to take a back seat to faith.” Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt despite the apparent dangers, and Daniel spent a night in a lion’s den on the strength of his faith in God, proving that even the very worst of our fears can dissipate when we make our trust in God the most important thing. In both cases, the faithful had the assurance that God was with them, and would take care of them no matter what happened!
It is possible to have faith in God and yet be aware of the potential dangers in life. In fact, in some ways, having faith can open us up to greater risks precisely because we feel more confident that God will protect us. The Bible urges us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), which means that sometimes, we may have to take a risk or make a decision on trust – and the peace and assurance that comes with faith can carry us through any fear or apprehension.
The Benefits of Faith Are Enduring
When we put our faith in God, we can expect to be rewarded with His blessings, forever and for eternity. This means that failing to express our faith can result in a life of stagnation, worry and anxiety, while entrusting our faith to God has the potential to bring us great joy, peace and even eternal life. As promised in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The Bible often urges us to be courageous and fearless in the face of danger or difficulty, assuring us that God will “never leave us or forsake us.” Over and over again, He promises that He will be with us and take care of us, no matter what. Even when it feels as if everything is against us, our faith in Him can provide us with the confidence we need to stand firm and endure. In the end, it is always better to trust in God than to be overtaken by fear.
Finally, faith has the power to give us hope. Even in the darkest of times, when our circumstances are uncertain and we don’t know what the future holds, having faith in God can offer us comfort, assurance and an understanding that, no matter the outcome, He will be with us every step of the way. It is only with faith that we can truly experience the promised joy and peace that comes from knowing that we are firmly held in the palm of God’s hand.
Living In The Face Of Fear
At present, the world is both dangerous and uncertain. We live in a world where fear is everywhere and it is easy to be overwhelmed by all the negative thoughts and emotions that come with it. However, the Bible tells us; “for God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). The power of faith can help us to live in spite of fear; even when the odds are against us. Through faith, we are given the strength to face our fears and the courage to take the steps towards the things we want in life.
The Bible also teaches us to persevere through trials by looking to the Lord for strength and comfort. In times of danger or distress, we must remind ourselves of God’s promises, that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). These assurances can help us have faith that no matter what, God is with us and will lead us through the darkness. When everything feels uncertain and hopeless, God’s word can be our refuge and solace. We can trust in Him, for He is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
When the issues of life seem insurmountable, we must not be afraid to turn to God in prayer. Cry out to Him in times of doubt, fear and distress (Psalm 18:6). He will hear our cries and come to our aid. Turn to Him with everything you have; He is waiting for you and wanting to give you strength, courage and hope. When you come to Him with faith and trust, He will help you rise above your fears and walk in victory.
The Power of Faith is Undeniable
It is clear that faith, when placed in God, is indisputably greater than our fears. Whatever uncertainty or suffering we may face in life, with faith, we can find solace and assurance that God is with us every step of the way. The Bible fills us with hope that He is a faithful and loving God; He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Therefore, no matter our circumstances, we can be reassured that with faith, we can overcome any obstacle, no matter our fears or doubts.
We can also draw inspiration and strength from the Bible’s examples of faith, learning from those who were victorious over fear. They tell us that even if fear seems all-encompassing, it can be overcome by the power of faith. Daniel in the lion’s den and Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land are powerful examples of faith triumphing over fear – if these figures could have faith in God despite every obstacle, surely we can too.
In short, faith in God has the power to transform our lives; it conquers our fears and gives us the strength to pursue our goals and dreams. No matter your situation, remember that “if God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31). With faith in God, you can have the courage to face anything that life throws your way.
A husband of one wife, father of two beautiful girls, laborer of Lord, Jesus Christ, and a servant to God’s His saints. I hope to encourage you by God’s grace. Thank you for stopping by.
