Take the Road of Faith, Not Fear

“I’m afraid my business isn’t going to succeed.  I’m afraid I’m going to be lonely the rest of my life. I’m afraid my spouse is never going to change. I’m afraid things are never going to get better. I’m afraid I won’t make enough money to support us. I’m afraid my health isn’t going to hold up. I’m afraid my loved one is going to die. I’m afraid I won’t complete the job in time. I’m afraid they’re going to stay mad at me. I’m afraid we’ll never get back together. I’m afraid this person can’t forgive me. I’m afraid I’ll never get control of my bad habit. I’m afraid my child is going to going to be swept away in today’s temptations. I’m afraid I can’t get pregnant. I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint them. I’m afraid I’ll get Alzheimer’s. I’m afraid of failing. I’m afraid I’ll never get married.”

What is your fear? How would you fill in the blank, “I’m afraid….” ?

Recently I heard a sermon during which the minister emphasized that sometimes our fear of a problem is the problem. He then went on to encourage us that when our God is great, our problems seem small. But when our God is small, our problems seem great. The minister to whom I’m referring is Max Lucado. I’m not sure I’m quoting him exactly, but that’s what I took away on my scribbled notes.

Since hearing the sermon, my ears have been alert to the many times fear is expressed. It’s prompted me to ponder, “Is fear always bad?” Looking to God’s Word, we find the answer. Fear is a great motivator. It either motivates us to worry or to pray and have faith. Consider the following:

To What is Your Fear Leading You?

In Matthew 6:25, Jesus addressed a very real fear: what if we don’t have enough? Enough money for groceries. Enough money for clothing and basic needs. Jesus didn’t say that those things weren’t legitimate concerns. He did emphasize that we not let our fear lead to worry but rather to our Heavenly Father, our provider.

In Matthew 10:26-31 Jesus addressed other causes of fear: what others can do to us, the power others can wield over us, the fear of not knowing what to say, the fear of truth not being revealed, fear for our bodies, the fear of being of little value. Again, He directs us to His Heavenly Father.

In Matthew 6:34 Jesus addressed the fear of TOMORROW; the fear that leads us to say, “What if I don’t get pregnant tomorrow. What if I can’t beat this addiction tomorrow. What if I can’t make ends meet tomorrow. What if the relationship, health, or business isn’t okay tomorrow.” As before, He points us to His Father. Jesus instructs us to prioritize our thoughts not around our fear, but rather around seeking His Father’s kingdom and His righteousness.

Fear Can Lead to Faith and Prayer

Jesus doesn’t downplay the issues in life with which we deal. Rather, He directs us to take the emphasis off our fear and to look to God.

Are you worried about food and clothing? Look at your great big God who provides for the birds and flowers.

Are you worried about tomorrow? God will be there.

Are you worried about what to say? God will direct you.

Do you fear that your life is of no significance or that no one cares about you? Look up. You’re of great value to God. He sent Jesus to secure the forgiveness of your sins so that you can live with Him eternally in heaven. Your Heavenly Father knows the number of hairs on your head!

Are you worried about your body? God’s on it. He’s concerned, too; and has provided every food that is good for your body. He wants you to be in good health and has provided healthy choices for you to eat and drink. Are you worried about what happens to your body when you die? Your Heavenly Father will resurrect it a new body in heaven.

The apostle Paul provides guidance on how we can look to God when fears and anxiousness pervade our minds and spirits. He tells us to pray: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God,” Philippians 4:6. There it is again. The same message Jesus gave. See our problems as small in light of God’s greatness. Turn our fears and worries into faith and prayer.

What’s Ahead for You

What’s ahead for you? Will problems and trials lead you to be a person of fear or to be a person of faith? I pray you will take the road of faith to your great God.

Heavenly Father, thank You are bigger than any problem, worry, or fear we have. Help us respond to fear with faith and prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

EXCITING NEWS! P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation, the Hill Country Ministries conference that’s been held in 25 states, is going to be in Kerrville, TX at the KROC Center on MAY 5.  Put the date on your calendar and call 830.315.5762 to secure your reservation! MAY 5 (5/5). 8:30-12:00. Child Watch available.