Faith versus Fear
Over the years, I’ve heard numerous people teach on faith versus fear? It goes something like this: “Faith and fear are opposites. When you have faith, there is no fear.”
I’ve heard these types of messages for years. But honestly, I don’t believe faith and fear are opposing forces that directly fight against one another. Rather, I believe that exist together. When fear strikes, what do you need most during that difficult time–faith!
When fear pounds your mind, you have to reach up to God and trust him. You have to believe that God is there for you. That’s faith. Fear will demand many things from you:
“What if something happens to you.”
“You’ve failed before.”
“Something is wrong.”
You respond to fear with faith. You see, faith and fear happen at the same time.
Looking through the Bible, I cannot find any direct references that faith and fear are opposites. Rather, this is what I found: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
In this scripture, I do see two opposites: fear and love. The scripture does not say, “perfect faith casts out fear.” No. Perfect love casts out fear.
There is something about the love of God that breaks down the walls of fear. In my quest for peace, I’ve learned about my Father in heaven who loves me so much and cares for me in ways I could never comprehend. Truly, perfect love casts out fear.
The faith you need to fight fear is the faith that God really loves you, and that he cares for you. How much does he love you? Let the following scripture speak to your heart: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38).
There is nothing natural or supernatural than can separate you from the love of God in Christ. Nothing. But, you must receive it. If I give you a gift, it does you no good until you receive it. Today, receive the love of God in a new way–a way that you can be made perfect in his love.
Prayer: Lord, when the fear comes pounding on my mind, give me the strength I need to trust you. Your perfect love casts out all fear. Lord, I know you love me, and I trust in your love. Thank you for watching over me. My hope is in you.