Faith over Fear

Finding Solid Ground When Fear Threatens to Pull You Under
Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman



Fear. It’s that unwelcome guest that creeps into the corners of our hearts, attempting to extinguish the flame of faith. It manifests in countless ways, doesn't it?  The unease of seeking approval, the relentless pressure of financial burdens, the chilling anxiety sparked by health concerns – these are just some of the shadows that fear casts upon our lives.  

Even the very first followers of Jesus, those who walked and talked with Him, weren't immune.  After the crushing blow of the crucifixion, they huddled together, doors locked, gripped by terror of what might come next.  They witnessed the brutal reality of persecution and feared they could be next.    

But the good news is this: fear doesn't get the final word. Jesus, in His boundless compassion, meets us in the midst of our fear.  His presence is the ultimate antidote to the poison of fear.  The resurrection itself stands as the ultimate declaration that His sacrifice was enough, that death has been defeated, and that His power is unmatched.  His Word, the very foundation of truth, offers guidance and reassurance, cutting through the lies that fear whispers.  And the Holy Spirit, that incredible gift, fills us with power, love, and a sound mind, enabling us to stand firm.    

We often look at Thomas as the poster child for doubt, but his story offers a more nuanced understanding.  Doubt, in its essence, is frequently an intellectual struggle.  It’s the internal wrestling that occurs when we want to believe, but our minds grapple with questions and uncertainties.  We see this in Thomas's desire for tangible proof.  Unbelief, however, is a different beast altogether.  It's a deliberate refusal to trust without physical evidence, a closed heart unwilling to accept what cannot be seen.  Jesus, in his infinite patience, meets us where we are, just as he did with Thomas, addressing our doubts while calling us to deeper faith.    

The path from fear to faith isn't a passive one. It requires us to take intentional steps.  We must actively remind ourselves of Jesus's constant presence.  We must immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, allowing God's truth to reshape our perspectives.  We need the encouragement and support of fellow believers, drawing strength from community.  And we must consciously choose to focus on God's promises, anchoring ourselves in His unwavering character rather than the shifting sands of our circumstances.    

Furthermore, this journey often involves a process of being "forged" in faith. Think of a blacksmith shaping a piece of metal. It's heated in the fire, hammered repeatedly, plunged into cold water, and subjected to intense pressure.  It's not easy, and it can be painful.  Similarly, God uses trials and challenges to shape us, to remove our weaknesses, and to mold us into something stronger and more resilient.    

Ultimately, overcoming fear and embracing faith isn't just about finding temporary relief. It's about laying hold of the full, abundant life that Jesus so generously offers.

So, how do we move from fear to unwavering faith? Here are some key ways to find that solid ground:

• Remember Jesus's Constant Presence: Jesus is "Emmanuel," God with us. He's not distant; He walks alongside us, especially in those tough times. Psalm 23:4 says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." He's our comfort and strength.  
• Immerse Yourself in God's Word: The Bible isn't just a book; it's alive. It's truth that shines a light on our path and pushes away the shadows of doubt. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." It speaks to our deepest needs.  
• Connect with Other Believers: We're not meant to go it alone. Community with other Christians gives us strength, encouragement, and a place to build our faith together. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."  
• Hold Tight to God's Promises: God's promises are solid. They're the anchor that keeps us steady when life gets shaky. Hebrews 6:19 says, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil." They're our source of hope.  
• Get Involved in Serving Others: It might seem counterintuitive, but when we focus on serving and helping others, we often find our own worries fade. There's a peace that comes from getting outside of ourselves. Philippians 4:7 promises, "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  
• Lean on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit within us is power, love, and a sound mind – not fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." He's our source of courage.

This isn't just about escaping fear. It's about stepping into the full, vibrant life that Jesus made possible. It's about trading fear for freedom.