Scared And Faithful: Can They Coexist?

It is a common misconception that faith and fear are mutually exclusive, and that experiencing fear is indicative of a lack of faith. This notion can cause individuals, especially those who identify as Christians, to question their faith and worry about what their fear says about their beliefs. However, it is important to recognize that fear and anxiety are normal human emotions that even Jesus himself experienced, as depicted in the Bible. Rather than being mutually exclusive, faith and fear can coexist, and experiencing fear does not diminish one's faith or mean that they are unfaithful. Instead, it is about trusting that we will get through difficult times and overcome our fears, even when facing troubles and dangers.

Fear is a natural human emotion

Being scared or experiencing fear does not mean that you lack faith. In fact, fear is a natural and healthy human emotion that everyone experiences at some point. Even Jesus is described as feeling fear in the Bible (Luke 22:42–44).

Faith and Fear

Having faith does not mean that you will never feel afraid. Instead, it can give you the courage to push through your fears. For example, in the Bible, God often reassures his people, saying, "Don't be afraid, I am with you". This shows that it is normal to feel fear, but faith can help you overcome it.

Anxiety and Faith

Anxiety and fear are a part of the human condition, and it is understandable to worry about what these emotions say about your faith. However, it is important to remember that these emotions do not disqualify you from being a person of faith. You can feel afraid and still know that God is in control.

God's Promises

God has promised to be with us and to give us strength in the face of fear and anxiety. For example, in the Bible, God tells us that he desires to be merciful and give us his grace. He also promises to save those who call on him and to alert us when we are not following his path.

In conclusion, fear is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences, and it does not mean that you lack faith. Instead, faith can help you face and overcome your fears. God understands our fears and anxieties and has given us his word and spirit to guide and comfort us.

Faith is centred in the heart, not feelings

It is normal to feel afraid and anxious. We are human, and it is understandable to become focused on the troubles of the moment. Even the apostles were afraid. But God is there for us, and he will protect us and get us through them. The story is about how we will get through and overcome our fears. It is not about being afraid and angering God.

We worry because we deal with anxiety, and then we worry about what the anxiety says about who we are. We might wonder how we can call ourselves devoted followers of Christ when we have anxious hearts and racing minds. But anxiety does not disqualify you from being a person of faith. You can feel afraid and still know that God is in control. You can feel anxious and know that God is good.

God does not fault the anxious person for their anxiety. He came so that we could be free. He sent his Spirit and gave us his Word so that we could walk through this dark world with a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. He wants us to trust him and to take refuge in him. He tells us over and over that we don't need to be afraid or anxious, and yet we persist.

Scripture says we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. We can have confidence that when we come to God for grace, he will grant it. God's nature is to give. He owns all of creation, and he chose to give himself sacrificially to us. This is not a God who withholds himself vindictively from those who seek him.

Faith is a gift from God

It is understandable to feel scared or anxious at times, and this does not mean that you lack faith. Fear is a normal human emotion, and even Jesus experienced fear in the garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. What matters is how we respond to fear – courage is pushing through fear because of our faith in God.

Faith is indeed a gift from God. It is not something that we can generate on our own or by our own power. Ephesians 2:8–9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." This means that our salvation is not something we can earn or boast about; it is a gift from God, and faith is a crucial part of this gift.

The Bible consistently teaches that faith is a divine gift from God. In John 6:44, Jesus says, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." This idea is further reinforced in Acts 3:16, which speaks of "the faith which comes through Him," and Philippians 1:29, which states, "To you it has been granted for Christ's sake... to believe in Him."

The fact that faith is a gift from God is significant for our worship and daily lives. It humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on God and His grace. It also gives us hope, knowing that God will help us overcome our fears and anxieties, just as He promises to be with us and protect us through life's troubles and dangers.

In conclusion, while it is normal to experience fear, it is important to remember that faith is a gift from God, and He will help us persevere and grow in our faith.

Faith and fear can coexist

It is possible to have faith and still experience fear and anxiety. These emotions do not mean that you lack faith or are doing anything wrong. They are a normal part of the human condition and even figures like Jesus and the apostles experienced fear according to the Bible. For example, Jesus expressed fear before his crucifixion (Luke 22:42–44).

Feeling afraid or anxious does not mean that you are not a devoted follower of Christ or that there is something wrong with your relationship with Him. In fact, it is healthy to feel a range of emotions, including fear, and it is normal to become focused on the present moment and its troubles. What matters is how you push through these feelings and whether you continue to trust in God and His plan for you.

The Bible is filled with reassurances from God that He is there for His people and that they do not need to be afraid or anxious. For example, variations of "don't be afraid" are often cited as the most frequently repeated command in Scripture. Additionally, God tells His followers to trust in Him and take refuge in Him, rather than giving in to doubt and worry, which are tools of Satan.

Having faith means believing that God will get you through life's troubles and that even the worst storms will pass. It is about having the courage to push through fear and anxiety, knowing that God is with you and will provide for your needs. This does not mean that you will never experience fear or anxiety, but that you can persevere and overcome these emotions with the help of your faith.

So, if you are feeling scared, remember that it is okay and that you are not alone. Your feelings of fear or anxiety do not mean that you lack faith, but rather that you are human and are on a journey towards spiritual growth and understanding.

Faith grows through adversity

Faith and fear are not mutually exclusive. It is normal to be afraid and anxious, and to become focused on the present moment and its troubles. However, faith is about trusting that things will get better, and that even the worst trouble is temporary. Courage is not the absence of fear, but pushing through it.

Adversity can be synonymous with success. There are countless stories of people who have overcome adversity, become stronger, and achieved success. Adversity can be viewed as an opportunity to change and grow, and to benefit from post-traumatic growth.

Benefits of Adversity

Change in Self-Concept

You discover that you are stronger than you thought. Your ability to deal with adversity changes your perception of yourself and makes you better equipped to face future challenges.

Stronger Relationships

Supportive friends and family members are important when facing adversity. In turn, your appreciation of those who support you strengthens your relationships with them.

Personal Growth and a Change in Priorities

Trauma can lead to a realisation of what is important in life and a willingness to try new things. This is an opportunity to rethink values, priorities, and personal relationships, leading to changed behaviour and a different life.

Keeping Faith

Optimistically arranging your life story so that adversity plays a part in your success is a constructive way to grow your faith. When adversity enters your life, you will see that you are stronger than you thought.

God and Adversity

Adversity can be viewed as a call from God to re-evaluate your priorities and discern if you are disobeying God's word in any area. It is a reminder of your weaknesses and a call to rely on God in ways you wouldn't unless you had significant needs.

Adversity is also an assurance of God's fatherly love and care. Wise discipline brings a child to maturity, and God uses adversity to help us grow in holiness and become more like him. When we persevere through hardship, we have proof that we are God's children.

Adversity is an opportunity for growth and change. It can strengthen your faith and lead to a more successful and fulfilling life. When faced with adversity, it is important to view it as an opportunity and to trust that you will come out stronger on the other side.

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