Leading The Way - Week of March 7
Faith Over Fear
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
When Jesus’ disciples were overwhelmed by a storm on the Sea of Galilee, He said to them, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26). Another time, when Jairus learned that his daughter had died, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). And when His own death loomed large and He knew He would soon return to the Father, He told His friends, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus was constantly telling people not to be afraid. Why? Because He knows that fear is one of the most powerful roadblocks in our walk with Him.
Are you afraid of what might happen to you in this life? Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He is the author of life, and every detail of every life, including yours, is under His control.
Are you afraid of death? Jesus said, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). On Easter morning, Jesus conquered the grave so that we can say with the apostle Paul, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Are you afraid of the unknown? Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). He is the Creator of time and space, the future and the past. Nothing is unknown to Him. Nothing comes as a surprise to our great Savior.
Remember this: No matter how natural it may seem in the moment, fear is not your friend. In fact, fear is a weapon in the hands of our enemy. Satan wants to crush your effectiveness, neutralize your impact, and paralyze your spiritual life. He wants to trap you in a prison of fear. But the Spirit of God within you is greater than the spirit of fear. That is why Paul reminded Timothy, “[T]he Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
There is only one antidote to fear—faith in Almighty God. When fear threatens to overtake you, call on Jesus—and remember the Lord who is always with you.
Prayer: Lord, help me to bring my fears to You, knowing that they will disappear in the light of Your glory. I will look to Jesus my Savior and take heart for the work You would have me do. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Never Give Up: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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