Faith Over Fear
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." —Hebrews 11:6
Every day, we place our trust in a multitude of things and people. We believe our legs will support us as we walk, the brakes in our cars will stop us when needed, and that others will show up to school, work, and keep things functioning. These small acts of faith shape our daily lives. When we have faith, our actions follow. We live in accordance with our belief.
Yet, the opposite of faith is fear. Each day, we face a choice: to live by faith or to succumb to fear. The question is, which do you choose? Are you placing your trust in the world around you, or do you constantly worry that something will go wrong? Imagine if the brakes in every car failed. It would be terrifying to drive, knowing the risk of accidents and harm. Yet, God, who is infinitely more reliable than anything in this world, often receives less trust from us than the mundane things we depend on daily. While we hope for good, God promises the best, even in the hardest of times. Through it all, Jesus is there, forgiving and ever-present.
Our hearts are constantly torn between faith and fear, a struggle that exists within every Christian due to the sinful nature that still lingers in us. No matter how long we've walked with the Lord or how many miracles we've witnessed, we still wrestle with this internal tension.
Faith does not imply reckless behavior or ignoring common sense; rather, it means turning to God whenever fear arises. In moments of hardship, it is easy to forget that God has already told us we will face trials. But we must remember that He is faithful to deliver us from the things that hold us down. While it's tempting to forget faith in Jesus during trying times, His promises remain unchanged.
Big or small, God is always greater. No matter the mistake, fear, or challenge, He stands by our side. He helps us face our fears, shield us in our weaknesses, and is stronger than any earthly force. Faith will always triumph over fear.
In Hebrews 11:1, faith is defined as "the certainty of what we do not see." It is an unwavering belief that God is always working in our lives, even behind the scenes. Fear, conversely, stems from unbelief or weak belief. When unbelief gains control over our thoughts, fear takes hold of our emotions. But faith is not something we can summon on our own. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we learn that faith is a gift from God, and faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our faith is rooted in the deep assurance that God loves us, understands our thoughts, and cares for our needs.
As we grow in our knowledge of God, our faith strengthens. The more we understand His character and promises, the more we trust in His sovereignty and provision.
Romans 10:17 tells us, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." A deep and intentional study of God’s word is foundational to building strong faith. God desires for us to know Him intimately and to rely completely on His guidance.
The Bible is filled with accounts of God’s promises fulfilled in the lives of His people. When we truly believe that God works in these ways, it radically alters how we live. We will confront our sin with confidence, knowing that Jesus forgives and heals. We will step out in faith, risking for God, because we trust He will provide.
When our faith is firmly rooted in Jesus, fear loses its grip. We become free to live boldly, knowing that the One who holds all things in His hands is faithful to fulfill His promises.