Real Hope: No Fear in LoveSample

Faith And Fear

It’s a mistake to think that courage is the opposite of fear. Courage only kicks in when there is fear. If we aren’t afraid of whatever faces us, it’s pointless to speak of courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but a decision to face the fear and overcome it.

And for a follower of Jesus, this courage comes from grasping something of the character of God. Our God is not some distant deity idly sitting around letting the universe run its course. He cares for His creation. He promises to be with those who pass through difficult times.

And so our courage to face our fears comes from faith in His faithfulness. It’s futile to battle fear by psyching ourselves up to feel brave. Rather, we take hold of the truth of God’s care for us and, weak as we might be, we trust in the power of God to see us through.

Ultimately, fear is not overcome by manufactured courage. It’s overcome by love. Not our admittedly feeble love for God, but His constant love for us. In the midst of my fears, I put my faith not in some vague idea of a supreme being, but in the love of God that finds its greatest expression in Jesus.

Written by DAVID REAY