Being Fearful or Faithful

I saw a video of a glass walk-way built around the side of a mountain. The glass was constructed in such a way that when a person put their weight on it, it made the sound of breaking glass. Not only that but, when the person looked down, the glass appeared to be breaking also. People were screaming and crawling to get back to the start. These are real people facing real fears, and this walk-way was constructed to take advantage of those fears. I would have been one of them! This is just not right!

The truth is that all of us have fears of some kind at one time or another in our lives. Most pass by as we get older, some stay with us, but there are others which have to be overcome if they get in the way of our functioning.

For the past 10 plus weeks we have been served a steady diet of “fear.” After this trial is over how are we going to get back to some sort of functioning with all that we have been told to do and not do as to “not spread the virus?” or “stay safe!”

For us as Christians, any fear that gets in our way of serving and obeying God is not given by God. 2 Timothy 2:7 tells us that fear is a spirit that is not given from God because He gives us power, love and self-control. It takes courage to face our fears but God gives all we need to do it.

Times of trial are often fearful but they also increase our faith and help us grow (mature) in our faith. To mature we have to overcome, and for Christians overcoming our fear is rooted in trusting God, believing God loves us, and that God will not harm us. How do we get to this point? By believing God’s Word. God’s Word helps us cast out our fears. Strong faith helps us overcome our fears.

Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 119:10-16, 105 - God’s Word lights my path and guides me.

Romans 8:31-39 – Paul declares that nothing will get between him and God.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

As we are returning to some sort of normalcy, take courage and go forth in faith, knowing God is holding our hand, walking with us. Calm my fears, Father, as I face the unknown and the unexpected. Increase my faith so I can face my fears and grow in my relationship with You in Jesus name. Amen.