“Faith Over Fear.”
If there was one saying that was prominently used during the COVID desert it was this one. The most prominent-at least among Christ-followers-was “God’s got this.” But I’m thinking this ran a close second. Sometimes it might be seen in a symbol: big letters FAITH on top of a line over the letters FEAR.
Simple enough: I believe it. I John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” (ESV)
Last week I spent time with an old friend. He was a bike-riding friend of mine of about 4-5 years when suddenly he ghosted me. A conspiracy theorist, he didn’t like it when I told him to be careful of making an accusation against someone and putting it in writing because he was setting himself up for a charge of slander. That was 2014. Ghost time. About a year or so ago I felt a burden to check up on an old friend. He was basically living a life of a hermit, paralyzed by his fears. I went away burdened but decisive that I was not going to put myself through that again. Last week he called me out of the blue asking a favor of me. Even though my day was full, I said yes to his request. When he asked why later, I told him, “Because I want to be Jesus to you.” He didn’t say much to that but what I learned is a leopard doesn’t change his spots. I won’t go into details, but long story short, he asked me if I was afraid. I told him no. “Not afraid? Of COVID? No. Evil? No. Sick people? No. Why? “Because the Bible says, ‘Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.'” “That’s a lie,” he said. I disagreed and respectfully tried to explain it to him. “I tried it your way Bill. It didn’t work.”
There was more-much more-but I left saddened…again. I also left resolved to keep toxic-thinking people at arm’s length. And I left even more convinced that I have nothing to fear. I refuse to live my life afraid of my own shadow. Because, you see, I believe that no matter how much evil there is in the world (and I don’t deny there is), faith conquers fear.
I do know who wins in the end. And it ain’t the enemy, Satan.
J.E.S.U.S. W.I.N.S.
This is such an honest, heartfelt reaction to the place this so-called friend put you in, Bill. Faith over fear – that’s how I felt, too, especially during the covid mess. And I feel sorry for this man who can’t seem to get past his own fears and misgivings. May God change his heart.
Blessings!
My prayer exactly Martha. I pray for a heart change for him.
Such a sad sad post, Bill. This type of encounter is really heart-breaking. But Jesus loves this fellow and won’t give up on him. Prayers for him and you!
I really didn’t intend it to be sad although when you consider his reaction, it is. I am praying he will change his heart and realize the steadfastness of the Lord is everlasting.
That is hard Bill, when we are around a person who is negative and always believes that there is some conspiracy going on. You are right all we can do is show them Jesus’s love and let them know why we do not live in fear. I worked with a guy that had a conspiracy theory for everything, very negative person, but I still talked to him. I was even able to find a few hobbies that he enjoyed so I always turned the conversation over to that. I have a story about him I need to share with you sometime Bill. We always have the advantage in life because we fight from a position of victory not defeat, thank-you Jesus for winning the battle for us.
I like your comment Gail that “we fight from a position of victory not defeat.” AMEN to that! I would imagine that you feel somewhat like I do…a little sad and a little hopeless to help him out of the hole he is in.
The sad part in my mind is that we all do have the benefit of taking part in the eternal hope in Christ. For the non-Christian, I get it. Fear of the unknown, the uncertainty, the chaos. When the government and media use FEAR as a motivational and control tactic… It is not surprising that many believers and non-believers fall for the narrative and the lies.
For the believer, we have the option to ignore the fear and trust in God.
The Bible is full of verses guiding us away from fear and into the arms of our Father.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
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1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
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Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
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Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
I think the hard part in this life for the believer is not the fear, but seeing the fear in others and knowing that it can be overcome. Especially when the fear is seen in a friend, even if the relationship has faded.
Great comment and great verses Ryan! I also found the latter statement to be so true to my situation: seeing the fear in a friend, even if the relationship has faded. I want more than anything to have him come alive to Christ and realize that Jesus has conquered everything Satan has thrown in His path and He still is and always will. Thanks for the comment.
amen. ain’t got no time for fear. God has all the things we’re prone to be wringing our hands over in His most capable hands. Worry never got us anything except a hefty dose of anxiety.
100% correct and my perspective as well, Linda. I can’t agree with you more than on that last statement.