We’re all familiar with fear in some form. At some point, we’ve all felt afraid in a situation in which we found ourselves. It has the capacity to shut us down and paralyze us from moving forward in our Christian walk. Thankfully, God’s Word equips us to fight fear and win.

Even just the thought of fighting against something all by ourselves can scare us. However, we’re never alone when we ask God to walk with us in scary situations. He’s more than willing to do so. “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Nothing, no matter how big or frightening it seems to us, is bigger than God.

The world doesn’t understand fear. Caution helps us avoid dangerous situations, like a car speeding toward us or an out-of-control fire; however, fear can turn on us. Fear stops us from fulfilling our mission in life; it isn’t from God, but from our enemy. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

As Christians, we don’t have to tolerate it. Believing the love God has for us gives us the strength to conquer our worst fears. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment…” (1 John 4:18). This isn’t to say we’ll never feel afraid—that’s part of being human. However, standing on God’s Word when fear threatens us gives us authority over it.

Jesus is well aware of this emotion. At the end of His earthly ministry, the thought of His impending crucifixion brought on great distress. “He took Peter, James, and John with him. He plunged into a sinkhole of dreadful agony. He told them, ‘I feel bad enough right now to die…’” (Mark 14:33, MSG). He handled it by praying and continuing to move forward. Likewise, staying connected to God through prayer, and leaning on Him to help us continue moving forward, lets Him move us out of the situation.

Fear is rooted in disbelief. God wants the best for us, but when trouble strikes, the opportunity to doubt what He says surfaces. When the ruler of the synagogue asked Jesus to heal his ill daughter but she died before His arrival, Jesus had to reassure the man. “While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:35, 36). Our faith in what God wants for us pushes out all fear.

Some people are so fearful, they feel trapped in their negative emotions and don’t know which way to go. When we’re in too deep and can’t get out, God meets us where we are and rescues us. All we need to do is call to Him for help. “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).

God cares deeply about us and every little detail of our lives. He’s already beaten fear. Trusting Him allows us to share in that same victory. For more on conquering fear, click on the link below for the CD series, How to Never Be Afraid Again.