Faith vs. Fear

As we roll into 2017, we should purpose to take inventory of this area in our lives. We should ask ourselves: Do we walk in faith? Or do we we allow fear to be our driving force instead? Intellectually we know that we should never let fear conquer us, for it is written in 2 Timothy 1:7 that ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind’. However, sometimes we let our emotions get the best of us and we walk by sight instead of by faith unlike what scripture urges us to do (2 Corinthians 5:7). So what do we do in those moments that we are confronted by faith versus fear? Blessedly, fear is not a new concept. ’I will not fear’ is found in the scriptures many times, from the psalmist to the prophets. Apparently, they too were confronted with faith versus fear. But like them, will we also declare, ‘I will not fear’ or will we succumb to it? It is our response to faith versus fear that is pivotal. I want to encourage all of us to declare the former and stand on the side of faith. I want to encourage all of us to exercise our faith by trusting in God. In order to exercise our faith, it is imperative that we study and apply the Word of God to our lives so that we may know what we can trust God for. There are so many promises that God gives us in His Word for all areas of our lives. But we must know and believe it! This is the very foundation of faith — belief! Do you believe God (in all areas)? In our moments of fear, we must believe (have faith in) the promises that God has for us. Make a decision today to no longer be controlled by fear. Like Jesus did for Peter, let’s pray that our faith don’t fail (weaken) (Luke 22:32). Like the apostles, let’s ask the Lord to increase our faith (Luke 17:5). Remember, our faith will be tested (with fear) frequently. In the battle, let’s do our best never to let fear win. Instead, let us operate according to 1 Corinthians 16:13, ‘Watch, stand fast in faith, be brave, be strong’.