Stepping Out in Faith: Overcoming the Shadow of Fear
Picture this: You stand at the edge of a great and tumultuous sea. The wind whips your cloak and the roar of the wave’s echoes in your ears. In the darkness, a figure beckons. It's a moment when one must choose—retreat in fear or step out in faith. How many of us, in that pivotal second, surrender to the greatest adventure for a life unkempt by fear?
As the Lord reminds us, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Indeed, to step out in faith is to acknowledge the invisible bridge beneath your feet, constructed by divine promise and unwavering love. Like Peter stepping out onto the water, eyes fixed upon Christ, we are called to transcend our trepidations. Tell me, what could we possibly achieve if we trade our trembling for trust, if every step was an echo of heavenly assurance? In the orchestra of life, is it not faith that composes the sweetest harmonies and overcomes the dissonance of fear? Let us march forward, brave souls, emboldened by the conviction that our God is the lighthouse guiding us to safe harbor.
Fear often acts as a thief in the night, silently disarming our courage and seeding doubts within the fertile grounds of our mind. Yet, what is fear but a lie masquerading as truth, a phantom conjured by uncertainty, whispering that tomorrow's storms are too fierce for today's faith? The Scriptures provide a lamp unto our feet, revealing in Psalm 23 that, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Can we not see that fear's deception is powerless against the strength of our Creator's presence?
It is the crippling whisper of fear that dissuades the human heart from soaring on the wings of divine purpose. How often do we forget the call to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2) and instead become ensnared in a web weaved from strands of trepidation? Have we forgotten that we are molded by the Potter’s hands to be vessels not of fear, but of faith? Brethren, we must dare to dismantle fear's hollow fortress, brick by insidious brick, and reclaim the promised land of our unshaken spirit with each intrepid step we take toward the light of His eternal truth.
The Nature of Fear and Its Dominance Over Faith
Fear, my dear friends, is an old nemesis. It cloaks us in shadows, mutes our potential, and dulls the sharp edge of our spirit. In these moments, the leap of faith seems more like a plunge into the unknown than a step toward the divine. We have verses to remind us that perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Yet, we cling to trepidation. Look inward and ask yourself: What dreams have I buried under a blanket of fear?
A. The Paralysis of Potential and The Hesitation of the Called
1. Consider the servant in the Parable of the Talents, who out of fear buried his master’s coin, opting for earth instead of enterprise (Matthew 25:25). The grip of trepidation stifled his potential, leading to a forfeiture of divine opportunity. Do we too bury our talents under the heavy soil of dread, hesitant to invest them for fear of failure?
2. Likewise, Moses stood before the Burning Bush, his heart ensnared by the uncertainty of his own voice and ability (Exodus 4:10). It was his fear that begged reluctance, questioning God's wisdom in choosing an inarticulate shepherd to liberate a nation. How often do we echo Moses, allowing our perceived inadequacies to halt our steps toward our God-given purpose? These biblical narratives underscore a profound truth: fear sews the seeds of hesitation and uncertainty, often becoming the silent sentinels that guard the gates of unrealized destinies.
Cultivating the Seeds of Faith in the Desert of Doubt
But faith, faith is not passive. It calls to the heart and compels action. It's the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). When Peter saw Christ walking on water, he dared to have faith and took a step—a step that defied logic and boldly proclaimed trust. Yes, he faltered, but he also achieved the miraculous.
In my own journey, when I was tasked with the seemingly simple act of building the Shepherds pantry, I doubted. The fear of mockery and failure loomed large. But my obedience was rewarded, and now, the pantry stands as a beacon of hope, feeding not just the body, but also the spirit.
A. Stepping Out as The Bridge Between Fear and Victory
1. When fear rises like a tide against our spirit, stepping out in faith erects the bridge between trembling and triumph. It is in the act of stepping out that we confront our Goliaths, not with the might of armies but with the simple sling of our faith (1 Samuel 17). It’s the quintessential moment when David met the giant, facing seemingly insurmountable odds yet anchored by an unwavering belief in God's providence. Likewise, the middle ground of our own battles—the bridge we must cross to achieve victory—lay in the very act of obedience.
2. Indeed, it is obedience, often in spite of the visible outcome, that demonstrates our truest surrender to God's will. It is an act of valor that signals to Heaven we are prepared to march through the walls of Jericho, no matter how fortified they appear, because our God has promised us victory. Though we may not see the walls crumble at the first or even the sixth trumpet’s call, by faith, we step out—persisting until the seventh blast (Joshua 6). It is this very persistence, this unwavering dedication to walk the path He has laid before us, that forms the crux of our spiritual odyssey from fear to victory.
B. Scriptural Examples of Courage Triumphing Over Fear
1. As we seek to embody courage and cast aside the shackles of fear, let us turn our gaze to the unequivocal boldness of David. Standing before Goliath, David faced a towering epitome of terror, yet his resolve did not waver. Armed with only a sling and his faith in God, he declared, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). In his victory, David demonstrates that our faith, not the size of our arsenal, determines the outcome of the battles we face.
2. Consider also the unwavering valor of Esther. Faced with the potential of grave consequences, she embraced the possibility of peril for the deliverance of her people, asserting, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). By appealing to the king, risking her life, she became an instrument of God's salvation. Esther's tale is a testament that, through God's providence, courage can not only push through fear but also reverse the very edicts of fate.
[In these accounts, the common thread is a powerful trust in God that turns the tide of fear towards victory. They inspire us, showing that courage stems from an unwavering conviction in God’s sovereignty and the assurance that His purpose for us will prevail.]
The Triumph of Faith and Fear's Retreat
When we step in faith, we declare a holy war on fear. The triumph belongs to those who refuse to be cowed by their doubts. Matthew recounts a stronger, wiser Peter. Upon calling to Jesus, he walked not just on water, but through the storm, defying the laws of nature. Jesus spoke to him—a voice that echoes through time—saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). And in this rebuke, there is learning. There is growth. There is victory over fear.
A. The Truths Learned From Peter's Walk on Water
In the courage of Peter stepping out onto the tumultuous sea, we find incandescent truth about combating fear through faith. Beneath the surface of this biblical moment rests the layers of spiritual lessons that bear light upon our path.
1. The Invitation to Trust: Jesus called out to Peter, "Come," inviting him into a realm of trust that surpasses understanding (Matthew 14:29). So too does He call to us, beckoning us to step beyond the boat's safety and trust in His word.
2. Focus Over Fear: As long as Peter's eyes were fixed on Jesus, he walked on water—it was only when his gaze shifted to the storm that he sank (Matthew 14:30). Our triumph over fear rests in our focus; let it remain steadfast on the Savior, not on the tempest that surrounds us.
3. Faith in Fragility: Peter's faltering upon the waves reveals the dual nature of faith—that it can exist even amidst our weaknesses. Our moments of doubt do not disqualify our faith; rather, they offer God the canvas to demonstrate His strength in our lives.
4. The Assurance of Salvation: Even when Peter was sinking, he cried out to Jesus, who immediately reached out and saved him (Matthew 14:31). This assures us that in moments of drowning fear, a single plea for help will summon our Savior's hand.
5. Redemption and Restoration: After rescuing Peter, Jesus did not leave him amidst the storm but brought him back into the boat, calming the winds (Matthew 14:32). In our battles with fear, know this: redemption is always the sequel to our trials, and God desires to restore calm to our lives.
[These teachings, etched in water and faith, endure through the ages. They serve not as mere historical footnotes, but as beacons—ways to navigate through our fears towards the omnipotent embrace of Divine assurance. Let us then step out in faith, with our eyes affixed to the Light of the World and walk in dominion over the waters of doubt and fear.]
Where do you stand?
As you reflect on these points, ask yourself: What in your walk with Jesus seemed crazy or uncomfortable at first? What is the Shepherds pantry project you've been called to build, the step you've been beckoned to take amidst the storm? Embrace the discomfort as a rudder that guides you toward the shores of purpose. The world is waiting for someone to be brave, to be faithful, to be you.
Step Out Now
My friends, as we forge ahead, may we be a congregation known not for the fear that binds us, but for the faith that ignites us. Share your story of how faith overcame fear; support those around you who struggle in the tide. It’s time to step out, because on the other side of fear lies the abundant life Christ promised. The path of faith may not be easy, but its course is set by a compass far greater than our fears.
In the end, it is true that we cannot walk on water. But we can walk on faith. And that, my dear friends, is even more miraculous. Take that first step today—Scripture has promised the rest of your journey.
