Fear And Faith

Q. Recently our family was discussing the topic of fear. I made the statement that it isn’t wrong to be afraid. (ie: night before surgery, facing a dangerous situation like cancer) What is wrong is if we allow fear to overcome us. Being fearful and stepping out in faith anyway shows a real dependence and trust in God that he is going to do what he says, even if I am afraid. Unfortunately, I can’t back this up scripturally.

A. The Bible says we shouldn’t worry about anything in our lives because the Lord knows what we need before we do and will provide for us, (Matt. 6:25-34) and the Lord criticized Peter for allowing his lack of faith to cause him to sink when he tried to walk on water. (Matt. 14:31)

Fear is a common emotion we all experience, but it doesn’t come from the Lord. It’s a tool of the enemy. Our faith is meant to overcome our fears, and so when ever we feel afraid we should ask the Lord to increase our faith. Since the human mind, with all of its power, can only think one conscious thought at a time, fear and faith can not exist in the same mind at the same time.

This is why Paul advised us to rejoice over every thing that happens, and be fearful of nothing, because when we do the Peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7) He was writing to the Philippians who were facing great persecution at the time.

So I would say that you’re correct. If we use our faith to overcome our fears, we’ll be strengthened, because greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)