Many of us have seen the t-shirts carrying the message faith over fear, but how do we implement it? How do live out faith over fear in our lives? Many things in life are scary or cause fear. Faith is substance of things hope for and the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1). Though it’s scary or seems impossible it takes faith to hope it’s possible and do the scary things afraid.
We are all given the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). We all have faith. Some of us use faith to optimum capacity. Others use their faith very little. Some people do not mind taking risks. Others are afraid of risks because of unknown outcomes. Though these are all common ways people approach faith and fear it is important to know what God’s word says.
So let’s take a look…
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3).
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
“above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16).
David said he would trust God when he is afraid. Faith is all about trusting God. You can’t say you trust God without having faith in God. Second Timothy tells us that God did not give us a spirit of fear. Fear can come from the enemy or fear can be a sign that we are struggling to trust God. Whatever the reason God is not giving us fear though we may feel it a little or even a lot.
Second Timothy also teaches us through the Apostle Paul that faith helps us to finish our temporary earthly race. The race we are all trying to complete. In Ephesians we see that a part of our armor is the shield of faith. It is there to equip us to fight off the strikes or the enemy’s tactics to make us struggle to trust God.
Some people know God is asking you to do something, but you are afraid of many things. You are so afraid you become disobedient due to a lack of trust. Later on, you fail to do what God is asking you. When we begin to understand this is a lack of faith; we will be able to do what God is asking. We can embrace the art of faith over fear. We may not trust God to give us what we need to do the assignment. This can keep us stuck. Though this is true it is the art of faith over fear.
Never think fear is bad because it’s a normal emotion and feeling. Faith equips us to cope and not let the fear control us. Faith is the power we need to overcome fear. There are times when fear helps us to be wise and not make rash decisions. You need to walk by faith. We must use it to embrace fear but be led by faith.
Faith over fear is not just a catchy phrase on a t-shirt. It is also believing in yourself and God. It is about trusting God to give you everything you need to do what He asks of you. Life is a faith walk every day. You have to lose yourself a little every day and then rediscover yourself in God. Then you are the new creature you desire. Also, you have then mastered the transformation and you can fully lean and trust in God.
This is faith over fear.
Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence R.I.S.E. 