Everyone has encountered fear at some time in their lives. It can arrive when we're in a problem, uncertainty, sickness, money troubles, or situations that appear larger than us. When we are afraid, we may feel vulnerable, anxious, and paralyzed. But as Christians we are taught that fear shall not take hold of us, the answer is faith. This is how we can find courage and peace in the midst of difficult times when we put our trust in God and His promises.
Many times we are reminded in the Bible not to fear! God says that you must not fear for He is with you (Isaiah 41:10) nor be dismayed, for He is your God. This is a scripture that I find comforting because it reminds me that I am not alone. In every circumstance God is able to lead and uphold me. When I do my focus is on my problems, and fear increases; when I do my focus is on God and His power, and faith increases.
The first realization that I had of this is when I was waiting for an important result. I was extremely concerned because the results would have an impact on my future plans. I was plagued by fear-filled thoughts each day. I had many thoughts about all the bad things I could imagine and couldn't get a good night's rest. During that time I increased my prayer time and spent more time reading God's Word. I was encouraged by one scripture, that read “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6-7. As I continued to pray, I gradually felt my fear leaving. I came to know God rather than my own understanding. It all worked out great in the end, and I found out that God had been all along.
Faith doesn't take away our problems, but it makes us strong enough to handle them. Peter was able to walk on water to Jesus because he had faith. But while he was looking at the wind and the waves, he became afraid, and began to sink (Matthew 14:29-30). This is a lesson to me that I must learn: When I look at my problems, fear grows, but when I look at Christ, faith grows.
Everyone who is a Christian has to make the journey of overcoming fear by faith. There will be times that will try to make me afraid, but God has given me His promises to cling to. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” When fear strikes my mind, I say, "God is greater than this challenge. I can face fear and live with confidence in God's presence through prayer, trust and obedience to His Word.
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