What Are You AFRAID Of?

We all have fears. Whether it's the fear of rejection, failure, sickness, loneliness, or the unknown, fear is a universal human experience. But here's a liberating truth: having fear doesn't mean you have weak faith. It simply means you're human.
God, in His infinite wisdom, doesn't expect us to live without fear. Instead, He invites us into a profound truth: Faith doesn't mean the absence of fear. It means choosing trust over terror and obedience over avoidance.

Let's explore this concept through the lens of Joshua's story. After Moses' death, Joshua found himself in an overwhelming position. He was tasked with leading an entire nation into unknown territory, facing fortified cities and enemy armies. It was a daunting challenge that would make anyone's knees shake.

In this pivotal moment, God spoke to Joshua:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Notice that God didn't tell Joshua, "Don't feel fear." Instead, He encouraged Joshua not to let fear win. This distinction is crucial. Fear itself isn't a sin; it becomes problematic when it overrides our obedience to God.

Courage, then, isn't the absence of fear. It's the presence of God in the face of fear. When God told Joshua to be strong and courageous, He wasn't saying, "You are strong." He was saying, "I will be with you." The presence of God is the ultimate power source of courage.
This truth invites us to reflect: What has God called you to that fear is trying to talk you out of? Remember, God has already gone ahead of you. Your courage is found in His faithfulness, not in your own strength.

But what does faith look like when the storms of life are raging? We find a powerful illustration in the story of Peter walking on water. In the midst of a tempest, Jesus approached the disciples' boat, walking on the waves. Peter, in a moment of boldness, asked to join Jesus on the water. As long as his eyes were fixed on Christ, Peter defied nature itself. But when he shifted his gaze to the howling wind and churning waves, fear took hold, and he began to sink.

"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him." (Matthew 14:30-31a)
This story teaches us that fear often comes knocking the moment we shift our focus from who called us to what surrounds us. Peter didn't sink because the waves suddenly grew stronger, but because his focus shifted. Yet even in Peter's moment of faltering faith, Jesus didn't let go. He still grabs hold of sinking saints today.

What storm is stealing your focus right now? The invitation is clear: Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the waves. Even when your faith falters, Jesus never lets go.

So, what does choosing faith over fear look like in our daily lives?

1. Faith Confronts, Fear Avoids: Faith says "yes" to God even when the future looks foggy. What have you been putting off because of fear?
2. Faith Moves, Fear Freezes: When God speaks, fear says "what if?" Faith says "even if." Is your fear causing procrastination disguised as "wisdom"?
3. Faith Anchors in God's Character, Fear Anchors in Uncertainty: Faith isn't confidence in a desired outcome. It's confidence in God regardless of the outcome. Are you trusting outcomes or trusting the One who holds outcomes?

One of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture is that God is already in tomorrow. Jesus taught, "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:34) This isn't a call to irresponsibility, but an invitation to trust. The God who declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega… who is, and who was, and who is to come" (Revelation 1:8) is already present in the future we fear.

He's already in the room you're afraid to walk into. He's already preparing the path through the storm you haven't faced yet. You don't need to know all the answers—you just need to trust the One who does.

So how do we practically live out this faith over fear?

1. Identify Your Fear: Name it. Don't hide from it. Bring it into the light.
2. Replace the Lie with Truth: Combat fearful thoughts with Scripture promises. Memorize verses like Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 56:3, or Romans 8:31.
3. Take One Step of Obedience: Even if you're afraid, take one small step in the direction God is calling you.
4. Surround Yourself with Encouragers: Faith is contagious. So is fear. Choose your circle wisely.

As you reflect on these truths, ask yourself: What fear has been paralyzing your obedience to God? Where is God calling you to choose courage over comfort this week?

Remember, whatever you're afraid of, it isn't bigger than the God who conquered death. It isn't stronger than the One who speaks to storms. You can walk in courage—not because you're fearless, but because your faith is in the One who never fails.
In those moments when fear threatens to overwhelm, let the words of the Psalmist become your battle cry: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." (Psalm 56:3)

Your fears are real, but they don't have to rule. Choose faith. Choose trust. And watch as God turns your moments of fear into testimonies of His faithfulness.