Do you Want to Confidently Choose Faith Over Fear?

Why should we choose faith over fear?

As I think about the state of the country, I cannot help but be fearful about what the future holds. I think I share the same frustrations and fears as a lot of other Christians.

In times of uncertainty, it can be easy to allow fear, anxiety, or worry govern how we feel. We get differing reports from the news, social media, and the people we talk to. That just compounds the fear.

But allowing fear to dictate our lives is dangerous.   It’s the work of the enemy.  It’s spiritual warfare.   Our job, as disciples of Jesus, is to turn to His Word and make sure we’re choosing faith over fear.  When fear rears its ugly head in my life, I bring to mind my latest new favorite Scripture.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

That’s right, my friend.  This is a perfect example of why Scripture memorization is a great idea.  You may not always have a Bible nearby.  If you do, do you ever find yourself asking yourself, “now….where is that Verse about fear?”

Pick those Scriptures that help you the most and learn them.  Flash cards work, but I like The Bible Memory App on my phone. You’ll find it in your app store.   I find the free, Lite version to be adequate.  But whatever you use, learn your Scriptures.  

Other advantages of Scripture memorization include a better understanding of God’s Word. And in those times you need the leadership of the Holy Spirit, He will bring to mind Bible verses that are appropriate to your needs.  That’s another wonderful way the Lord talks to us.

How can we not be fearful?  

Take a look at this  article by Breitbart, it says “As of December 31, 2020, there were 42.7 million abortions performed in the course of the year, Worldometer revealed, while 8.2 million people died from cancer, 5 million from smoking, and 1.7 million of HIV/AIDS.  By comparison, worldwide deaths from the coronavirus in 2020 totaled 1.8 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.”

We look at these numbers and yes, coronavirus is definitely something to be concerned with.  But multiply that number TIMES 23 and that’s how many baby deaths by abortion are happening worldwide…by CHOICE!

Multiply corona by 4 and you get worldwide cancer deaths.   Don’t get me wrong, we need to be safe and stop the spread of corona.  But it’s a virus and can’t always be prevented. But killing babies is totally preventable. Our priorities are definitely in the wrong place.  

Not only that, but our country’s new leadership is already making ungodly decisions.  We have recent events in Washington DC, fake news, our now, our inability to post Christian and conservative comments on social media. Back that up with people making judgements based on misinformation. It’s all enough to make us bury our heads in the sand.  But that’s not what we’re called to do, is it?

In times of uncertainty, it can be easy to allow fear, anxiety, or worry govern how we feel. Let's choose differently. #faithoverfear Click To Tweet

What does Jesus tell us about the end times?

If you’ve spent any time at all in the Word of God, you know that we are getting closer to the end times. Jesus tells us what to look for in Matthew chapter 24.  But here’s the main point:

Matthew 24:4-14  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

What does it mean to have faith over fear?

Stop turning to the news, social media or our outspoken, opinionated and sometimes misinformed friends.  We must let our belief in God guide our feelings. 

We have to look to the promises in the Word of God in order to increase our faith in the Lord’s ability to help us overcome any and all of our fears.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

That’s right.  God tells us to fear not.  He will be with us. He will help us, uphold us. We need to “get that.” Understand that promise so that any time we’re feeling frightened or anxious, we remember that our Heavenly Father loves us and will uphold us with His right hand of righteousness. That’s protection, my friend. 

What is faith?

The perfect definition of faith comes from the book of Hebrews Chapter 11. It’s known as the book of faith because it highlights Bible characters who stepped out on faith, following God, not knowing what was in store for them.  But they did what God led them to do because they believed that all things would work together for their good, because they loved God and it would bring Him glory. (Roman’s 8:28) They chose faith over fear.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is stepping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.  Faith is believing in God, even though you cannot see or touch Him. Faith is knowing that God exists and all things in Heaven and earth were created by Him.  Even nature proclaims His handiwork.

Faith is accepting Jesus as your Savior because God said that He loved the world so much that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (John 3:16)

Why choosing faith over fear is a better idea 

Why wouldn’t we choose faith over fear?  Living in a state of fear does nothing, but produce anxiety, which leads to a boatload of health issues.  But also, God tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Let me also remind you of a verse we covered earlier, Philippians 4:6-7.  It talks about peace that passes all understanding.  

The byproduct of thanking God, believing His promises and expecting Him to answer our prayers is that God’s peace calms our minds. This, in turn, quiets our fears, calms our hearts and mind, and increases our faith.

Peace, my sweet friend is what we seek.  That peace can only come by putting our faith in our wonderful, forgiving and glorious God.

What does the Bible say about faith over fear?

Here are some faith over fear Bible verses to dig into so that when the enemy is placing his stronghold in your life and fear is causing you stress, you’ve got a great place to start.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Choosing Faith Over Fear: Finding peace in the storms of life

These Scriptures are just a start.  If you would like a deep dive into some more Bible verses about faith, fear and peace, never fear.  If you would like the tools that I have used to help me overcome the scariest event in my life, quadruple amputations I’ve got you covered.

I have created an entire toolbox of printables to help you find that peace you’re so desperately seeking.   It’s called Faith Over Fear: Finding peace in the storms of life. Over 75 printable Biblical study resources, prayer information, gratitude, and kindness ideas and journaling pages to create a beautiful binder that will increase your faith and positivity.

This toolbox offers you: 

• 30 days of Scriptures for a topical Bible study on faith, fear and peace. 
• Resources and Printables to Grow Your Faith and Prayer Life 
• Tips and Tools to Grow Your Gratitude 
• Learn how to show kindness to others 

Throw in a positive mindset, and you have all the tools you need to overcome any doubt, fear or challenge you face, with the Lord right there by your side.

It is literally the easy button that you need to not only survive, but thrive in these uncertain times.

Faith Over Fear quotes

Here are a few faith over fear quotes to remind you where to put your focus.  Focus on faith.  It’s the only way.

Faith and fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. You choose. ~ Bob Proctor

Fear is a self imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love. ~ Rick Warren

The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident. ~ Max Lucado

Faith and Fear make poor bedfellows. Where one is found, the other cannot exist. ~ Napoleon Hill

How do you live by faith?

With the state of the world and the direction our country is headed, God’s people have to trust Him through everything.  The trying of our faith develops our patience, which develops more perfect and complete Christian lives.  So let us run the race that is set before us, standing strong for the Lord, ever faithful. Because although now we may be feeling weak, it is then that He makes us strong.

We can get through all of it, as long as we turn to the Lord. Let Him lead us. We have to let go of the fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. You cannot have it both ways.

Remember, fear tries to make us believe something different than what God says. Fear makes us forget His promises.  Fear is sin. We have to put our faith over our fear! So how do we live by faith?  

Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Never forget about how our wonderful Heavenly Father is bigger than all of our fears. Trust me, He truly is!

Everyday God thinks of you, His child who He created.  Of course He does.  He has every hair on your head numbered. He knows about your doubts and fears and stresses.

But He wants you to remember to be strong and courageous. He wants you to trust Him.  He’s got you.  Let your faith be bigger than your fear.

Where do you stand on this topic? We need to encourage one another. Please leave your comments below. 

How are you choosing faith over fear?

 

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