This week’s scripture: Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteousness right hand.”

Fear is something we all experience at various points in our lives. Whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear for our loved ones, or fear of change, it can often feel overwhelming and paralyzing. However, as believers, we are called to live by faith, not by fear. This doesn’t mean that fear disappears, but it means we choose to trust God more than we trust the feeling of fear. Today, we want to encourage you to let your faith be bigger than your fear.

What is Fear?

Fear is a natural human response to danger or uncertainty. It triggers our fight-or-flight instinct and can protect us in dangerous situations. But what happens when fear isn’t about immediate danger but rather about the unknown or imagined outcomes? Often, we allow fear to control our actions and decisions, preventing us from stepping into the fullness of God’s plans for our lives. Fear of the future, failure, rejection, or even success can stop us from living out our God-given purpose.

But here’s the truth: fear doesn’t come from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Fear is a tool the enemy uses to distract, discourage, and distance us from trusting in God’s plan.

What is Faith?

Faith, on the other hand, is trust in God’s promises, even when we don’t see the full picture. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is the foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. It’s believing that God is good, that He has a plan for us, and that He will work all things for our good, even when we face trials, uncertainty, or suffering.

Faith doesn’t mean everything will go according to our plans, but it does mean we can trust God no matter the outcome. Faith says, “Even if I don’t know what tomorrow holds, I know who holds tomorrow.” It’s the steady assurance that God is bigger than our biggest fears and stronger than our strongest anxieties.

Choosing Faith Over Fear

So, how do we make our faith bigger than our fear? It’s a daily choice. Just like any relationship, our faith in God grows as we spend more time with Him in prayer, in His Word, and by walking in obedience to what He calls us to do.

Here are a few practical steps to choose faith over fear:

1. Acknowledge Your Fear: The first step is acknowledging that you are afraid. Pretending fear doesn’t exist or suppressing it won’t help. Bring your fears to God in prayer. The Psalms are filled with examples of David crying out to God in fear, and through his honesty, his faith was strengthened.

Psalm 56:3-4 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.”

David faced real danger, but he chose to place his trust in God, and we can do the same.

2. Remind Yourself of God’s Promises: Fear often creeps in when we forget God’s faithfulness. The Bible is full of reminders that God is with us, that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Write these promises down, speak them over your life, and hold onto them when fear starts to rise.

3. Take One Step of Faith at a Time: You don’t need to have the entire plan figured out to move forward. Take the next small step God is calling you to, even if it’s scary. Trust that He will guide your path and give you the strength you need for each step. Often, when we take a step of faith, fear diminishes because we’ve placed our trust in action.

4. Surround Yourself with Faithful Community: We are not meant to walk this journey alone. When fear overwhelms us, we need the encouragement and prayers of others to help us refocus on God. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and to “not give up meeting together.” Seek out friends, family, or mentors who can speak life into you and remind you of God’s goodness.

Biblical Examples of Faith Over Fear

The Bible is full of stories where individuals had to choose faith over fear. Let’s look at just a few examples:

Moses: Moses had many fears when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He feared rejection, inadequacy, and failure. But through Moses’ obedience and trust in God, the Red Sea was parted, and God’s people were delivered from slavery. Moses’ faith in God’s power overcame his fear of his own inadequacies.

Peter: When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he stepped out in faith to join Him. But as soon as Peter focused on the wind and the waves, fear took over, and he began to sink. Jesus reached out to Peter and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). This story reminds us that when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can do things we never imagined. But when we let fear distract us, we begin to sink.

Esther: Queen Esther risked her life to save her people by approaching the king without being summoned. She could have let fear of rejection or death stop her, but instead, she boldly said, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16). Her faith in God’s purpose was bigger than her fear of losing her life, and God used her to bring about a great deliverance.

Living by Faith, Not Fear

As we face uncertain times in our world today—whether it’s in our personal lives, in our communities, or even globally—fear can easily creep in. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the news, by unexpected changes, or by personal struggles. But remember this: God is still in control. He’s not surprised by what you’re going through, and He’s walking with you through it all.

Faith doesn’t mean that fear disappears forever. It means that when fear shows up, we have a choice to trust God more. It means choosing to believe that God’s plan for us is good, that His love is perfect, and that His promises will never fail. Let your faith be bigger than your fear because God is bigger than whatever you’re facing.

The next time you feel fear creeping into your heart, remind yourself of God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10. He is with you. He will strengthen you. And with that knowledge, you can let your faith grow larger than your fear, trusting that God will see you through.

Reflection

Write down one fear you are struggling with and pray over it. Ask God to give you the faith to trust Him in the midst of your circumstance!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we come before You today acknowledging that we often face fear in our lives. But we choose to place our trust in You, knowing that You are greater than our fears. Help us to live by faith, to remember Your promises, and to lean on You when fear tries to overwhelm us. Give us the strength to step out in faith, knowing that You are always with us. We trust in Your goodness and Your plan for our lives.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.