Faith vs Fear

FAITH vs FEAR

What exactly is faith? 

According to Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

Faith is not about what you see, but rather what is unseen. Oh, how easy it is for the natural eyes to be fooled. From a distance anything may appear one way while up-close entirely different.

Have you ever heard the expression, "everything that glitters isn't gold?" This is a perfect example of hour our eye sight can lead us wrong. We see something sparkling in the distance being hit by the rays of the sun, making it appear as a bright diamond or precious stone. Then, as soon as we get close we discover it was nothing more than a shard of glass or a worthless piece of metal. 

Magicians use optical illusions to fool audiences right before their very eyes. It doesn't just happen to those at a distance in the crowd but even those willing participants who are up close to the magician. So in that case it doesn't make much sense to rely solely on what we see, does it?

Faith is the total opposite. Instead of being in control it is about the ability to let go and not be in control. Faith is not about trusting in our own ability. Faith is about relying entirely, %100 on the Lord. What would be the purpose of faith if the things we hoped for could be grasped so easily? 

I challenge you to "Go Blind One Day!" Faith is about lack of eye sight; total blindness. Needless to say, if you can see the outcome then you are probably not walking by faith. If you have it all figured out there isn't much faith involved. Trusting in Jesus and leaning on Him is the best way to exercise or practice faith. I will push the envelope a bit further and say that faith is a way of life, not just an idea. Live out your faith, not your religion. Let go of every hindrance, especially fear. 

There is a strong contrast and dynamic between faith and fear. Let's take a look at a powerful example of how faith can conquer fear when allowed. Remember the story of Peter and his brave steps out of the boat and into the water as he approached Jesus? That is what I can ultimate faith!

 Matthew 14:22-33

 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. ²³ And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. ²⁴ But the boat was now in the middle of the sea,^[a] tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

²⁵ Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶ And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

²⁸ And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

²⁹ So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,^[b] he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

³³ Then those who were in the boat came and^[c] worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Let us digest this for a moment. I know you are thinking that he failed because he ultimately sank. Yes, it is true that Peter lost faith towards the end of his approach. However, the most important part of this passage is the fact that Peter was willing to take a "leap" of faith and step out of the boat. The majority of us will always remain in the safety of the boat, unwilling and afraid to step out of the boat. Peter's faith was tremendous. In fact I view his brief walk on the water as an incredible success, not a failure. 

We can examine several key components of this event to highlight the incredible faith that was involved in these few short moments. It was night time in the middle of the sea (likely very deep water), with high waves generated from excessive winds! On top of that Jesus appeared as if He were a ghost! Can you imagine being in the middle of the ocean at night as ghostly figure approaches your vessel, and then that figure telling you to come out of the safety of your boat? It is utterly unimaginable. Even the roughest, toughest of people would likely tremble with total fear and helplessness.

Still, Peter allowed his faith to conquer his fear. He approached his Lord because he believed. He believed! Jesus had appeared as a ghost, yet Peter believed in his heart that it really was Jesus. Faith is greater than fear because faith conquers fear!

Just as we see in the passage from Matthew 14 faith is indeed greater than fear. God's word tells us that faith requires action and that without it we are not able to please Him.

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)

James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (NIV)

Our world is broken to say the least. Each day we face unprecedented challenges which range from physical dangers, attacks on our health and wellness, financial obstacles, cultural stigmas, stereotypes, oppression from wicked rulers, pressures from society and so much more. Our faith is what allows us to rise above these disasters that surround us at all times. Faith separates us from the world and allows us to do the impossible!

Luke 17:6  He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. (NIV)

Matthew 17:20 He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (NIV)

 With faith there is nothing out of our reach because once again we are placing our trust in the Living God, not our own abilities. There is nothing too difficult for God! As we place our faith on the line and depend on God to see us through we are guaranteed to win! He can't lose!  

Matthew 19:26  Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NIV)

Take the leap of faith today and remember to speak life daily! The word of God is our weapon and guide. What you say has a great deal to with the actual outcome. In the book of Genesis the Lord spoke things into existence. He used His voice; the power of spoken word. 

Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (NIV)

The spirit world, which is far more vast than the visible world, is always paying attention. Whether we speak good things or bad things it is taken into account and an outcome occurs. Speak life and exercise your faith. Watch as your life changes in unexpected and incredible ways! You may appear to be foolish in the eyes of the world for exercising your faith but don't worry about what they think. Faith is greater than fear.


As Always, Truth is Freedom, Knowledge is Power!