Overcoming fear with faith is not easy. We live in a chaotic time where many people are wrestling with fear. Fear is defined as: a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.[1]
Our enemy, satan, uses fear as a tactic against us to keep us from moving forward in faith and to isolate us. Perhaps you are dealing with fear right now and you need the Lord’s help. Scripture tells us He is the answer to our fears. Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? [2]
Nehemiah Overcame Fear with Faith
Nehemiah had overcome many fears with faith to build and complete the wall around Jerusalem. Even when the wall was almost complete his enemies continued to attempt to paralyze him with fear.
Nehemiah 6:1Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. 2 So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, 3 so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” [3]
Look to Lord to Overcome Fear
The Lord gave Nehemiah discernment of the enemies’ tricks, but he had to trust God to overcome this attack. Nehemiah remembered the work the Lord had given him. It is a great work according to Nehemiah 6:3. Instead of focusing on fear, Nehemiah focused on the plans God had for him and moved forward in faith.
In life we need to do the same thing. When I look up to God, it helps me remember where my strength comes from. Scripture gives us insight where our real protection comes from. Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [4]
Faith is trust in God’s promises. Pray and ask the Lord to help you if you are fearful and look to Him for strength to overcome. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [5]
To hear more about overcoming fear with faith, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-personal-attacks
[1] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fear
[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[5] The New International Version. (2011). (Ps 46:1–3). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.