Developing Fierce Faith

05/08/22 – 05/21/22

In the Face of Fear

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  05/13/22

Have you ever been trapped by fear? When we allow fear to build up and to affect us continuously, we begin losing not only our joy but also our effectiveness in witnessing. Ever-present fear steals our God-given potential. It causes us to keep quiet instead of testifying to God’s salvation. Fear keeps us from reclaiming our workplaces, neighborhoods, and schools for Christ. Fear keeps us from giving generously of ourselves to the work of God. Fear keeps us from telling everyone we know about the one who saved us eternally.

Our only hope against conquering fear is faith. Fear will hold us back, but faith in God will lift us up. We can find comfort in the words of the psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2).

Read Joshua 6. As Joshua faced the fortified walls of Jericho, he must have had his doubts. But instead of giving in to fear, he responded with unquestioning obedience to God’s battle plan. And that is what faith is all about—obedience, the evidence of trust and faith.

Prayer: Father, help me not to be trapped by fear. Help me to respond to frightening situations with unquestioning obedience as I trust in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).