Taken from our last sermon of our fear series “Beaking Ground.” See it here
Fear is inevitable in life. From health crises to new jobs to just daily worries, anxiety comes for us all. In those moments, it’s tempting to let fear win and paralyze us from moving forward. But with faith in God, we can find the courage to press on despite the fear.
Courage is not the absence of fear – it’s being able to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even when afraid. God does not want us to live in bondage to anxiety and fear. He desires for us to live boldly and fully in the purpose He has planned. When inevitable worries arise, we can confront them head-on with trust in the power of God working within us.
So how do we build courage through trust in God? Here are some practical steps:
- Bring your fears to God in prayer. Pour out your heart as David did in Psalm 55:1-7, 16-17:
“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy…My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me…But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.”
Ask God for strength in your fears, then leave those burdens fully in His hands.
- Renew your mind with scriptures about God’s power and faithfulness, like Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
- Recall specific times God has brought you through trials in the past. Let these build your trust in Him for the future.
- Take small steps to practice courage in manageable situations, building your “faith muscles.”
- Journal about fears you face and how God helps you. Use these as touchstones when bigger fears arise.
- Find supportive friends to walk this journey with you. We were not made to battle alone.
With each courageous step forward in trust, your confidence in God will grow. Before long, you’ll be ready to face any fear head-on, knowing He is right by your side. Our God is for us – who can stand against us with Him on our side? Don’t let fear have the final say in your life. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and boldly walk into the purpose God has for you. With Him going before you, what do you possibly have to fear?
Gerald Faulkner 