Can fear and faith live alongside each other in the one person? Whatever made you ask that question? Well, there is a lot of fear out there just now and may just be increasing as this serious financial crisis continues and as the political disturbances and bloody global conflicts appear to be increasing at an alarming rate.
Yes, fear and faith are both very real and it is possible to experience both simultaneously.
Consider these men of faith in New Testament times. When Paul came to Corinth he experienced weakness, fear and much trembling, and his faith was strong. His preaching was not an exhibition of oratorical wisdom, nor persuasive words, but the power of God flowed through him, and many lives were touched and influenced.
What might a man do when he senses fear? He can face it and get on with what God wants him to do, or he can compromise, stay silent, retreat, and run away.
If fear is not conquered it could squash faith.
King David knew what it was to fear, and he ran, but he did not run away. He ran into the safety and security of the arms of God.
This was the source of Paul’s confidence too. This is why he was able to speak with such courage and boldness. He knew Jesus Christ was with him, and he knew that anointing presence of the Holy Spirit, which can inspire a man to take what might be regarded as risks.
Taking your eyes off God, and looking at the situation you are in, can open the door to overwhelming fear.
When Nehemiah was at the height of his project, rebuilding and restoring the walls of Jerusalem, his enemies tried to frighten him so that the work could be stopped.
Nehemiah turned to God in prayer and was able to make wise practical decisions. Jeremiah knew that combination of fear and faith too and he was unashamed to write about it in his prophetic book.
In fact, it would be difficult to write about any spiritual leader who did not know something of that trembling and fear alongside a real live vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. If a man told me that he had no fear and no sense of apprehension I would be prepared to question and challenge such an assertion.
Having been over forty years in the front line ministry in the Church of Jesus Christ I can certainly say that these degrees of fear and apprehension have never left me. A wise mentor told me almost fifty years ago that when these emotions and feelings go and leave you it may be time for you to leave that field of service and ministry. When we think we can do it in our own strength, using only our own gifts and abilities and talents, it may just be the moment to consider one’s realistic position.
One healthy fear is the thought of letting God down, or wasting your life, when you know you could have served more obediently. The fear of God is much neglected and overlooked, but it is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God may not make you clever but it will enable you to become wise.
That is where fear and faith are assets, and we need every asset available to us in these present days.
Sandy Shaw
