Fear vs. Faith

Fear is real. How can we overcome?

“Comfort zones are not meant to be permanent.” So states the actress on the Regions Bank TV ad. She is talking about things financial. Still, I don’t like those words. I like my comfort zones. I like no stress. I like safety.

Actually, her statement is true. A comfort zone is described as a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease, without stress. Sounds great! The problem is that staying comfy in our comfort zone will likely stop us from improving, growing and changing. It may stop us from trying to challenge ourselves and achieve our goals. I am not saying that finding places of safety is a bad thing. It is good to retreat to a safe situation in order to rest and renew your strength and resolve. However, it is tempting to just relax and stay there.

So what’s stopping us from stepping out? I’m not a psychologist, but in my experience I believe the answer is fear. Fear – an unpleasant, often strong emotion, caused by anticipation or awareness (or even imagination) of danger. Fear has stalked and harassed me for much of my life. I understand the words paralyzed by fear in a way I wish I didn’t. Even as a small child my list of fears was long – fear of the dark, fear of being alone, fear of thunderstorms, fear of being kidnapped, fear of being lost, fear of elevators, fear of dogs, fear of snakes (which became a real phobia). As I grew up I only added to the list – fear of being rejected by my classmates, fear of speaking in class, fear of not measuring up to others, fear of not being loved. And then – fear that my husband would cheat on me or leave me, fear that my children would get sick or hurt or die. Though I’m sure there are some I left out, you get the picture that fear can be an alarming and menacing enemy. Fear can cause us to seek a place, a situation, a comfort zone, where we feel some semblance of safety, and pledge to stay there for life.

My story is long so I’m just going to jump ahead some chapters. There is good news. There is an antidote to fear. We do not have to live under its oppression. God’s Word is teeming with truths about overcoming this enemy. The antidote is to trust in Him. It is simple, it is not easy, but it is simple. The opposite of fear is faith. We can all be overcomers!

First, we must recognize and believe that God is indeed Who the Bible says He is. He is all- powerful, everywhere present, sovereign, almighty, supreme. He has defeated our enemy. When we give our lives to God and become His children, He will protect us from all the enemy’s devices and strategies.

Second, we must recognize and believe that God’s Word is true. The Bible contains all answers to all our questions. Reading and meditating on God’s Word will strengthen our minds and help us to resist fearful thoughts and imaginations.

Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Now this is what has happened to me. I don’t mean that there is an absence of fear in my life. Fear is a real thing that we face all the time. What I mean is that God has delivered me from being overcome by fear and always wanting to stay in my comfort zones. Learning and believing the scripture promises regarding fear has given me the courage to take those steps into the unknowns of life. Knowing that God is with me, is fighting for me and will always protect me gives me the strength I need to say NO to the enemy. Holding on to my faith in an ever-faithful Father has consistently inspired me to bravely enter into changes and challenges. Many times I am still afraid. I just decide to go ahead and do it afraid.

For me, battling fear has been a long, and sometimes, difficult campaign. If you are currently struggling with fear, I can tell you this. God is not impatient, nor is he frustrated, with you. He is before you and beside you. He will not leave you. He is your refuge and your safe place; your ever present help in trouble. Trusting God with my life is the best decision I ever made. And guess what, I did it afraid!

Psalm 66:16 says, “Come and hear, all who revere God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.” Dear friends, I don’t want you to give in to fear any longer. I want you to give in to God. He is the healer of all wounds. He is the fixer of all things broken. He is the giver of all joy. I am testifying that He has healed me, fixed me and given me joy. If you need a true comfort zone, settle in under the shadow of His wings. From there you can bravely step out and the possibilities are endless!