Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

~1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

Most of us are afraid of something but don’t want to face our fears.

The issues we fear can immobilize us. Oftentimes, what frightens us is not that big of a deal, but it is in our minds. I am not afraid of many things, but I cringe when I see spiders in my home.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.

~1 Timothy 1:17 NASB

Fear can be defined as anxiety resulting from impending danger, evil, or pain. Whether the threat is real or imaginary, it causes us distress.

To overcome any fear, we first must confront it. Avoidance fuels anxiety, and anxiety intensifies fear. But, when we face fear, we expose it and reduce the anxiety. If I do not face the spider, I will never overcome my anxiety. 

Second, we must fight our fears with faith. We must not believe what the enemy attempts to tell us. By responding in faith, we destroy those negative thoughts. Fear destroys but faith creates a safety net. Fear destroys, but faith produces. Fear makes us forget God’s care while faith focuses us on His love and power.

Our faith must be bigger than our fear. We can be a warrior, not a worrier. Our weapon is the Word of God. There, we find help to overcome whatever we may face. 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

~Psalm 56:3 NASB

We can follow God’s Word despite our fears. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 not to be moved by what we face but to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Don’t quit. Be consistent when you are conquering a fear. Don’t be double-minded. Decide and trust God. Fears can be multifaceted, but from God’s perspective, He has already overcome the difficulty. 

The following is an acronym that will help you F.A.C.E. your fear:

F – Faith in God’s Word and His character is key. 

A – Awareness of God’s promises helps us persevere. Read God’s Word to find out what He says about the specific fear you want to overcome.

C – Commitment to God’s conditions. This is the compass we can trust for a peaceful, successful life.

E – Engagement against the enemy puts him in a tailspin. We must claim God’s promises and use them as a sword against our fears.  

Have you asked God to help you face your fears?

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I can overcome any fear. Forgive me for falling prey to feelings of doubt that are rooted in fear. In those areas of my life where it is hard to see beyond fear, help me to trust You more.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: The Fear Factor: Charles E. Maldon, Jr.: All Rights Reserved