This podcast covers Lesson 3 of Everyday Women, Ever-Faithful God Bible Study and Lesson 3 of The Walk from Fear to Faith Bible Study by Melanie Newton.
Miriam—How to Apply Faith to Fear
A biblical tool that you can use to apply faith to any fear
As a pillar of cloud and fire, God put himself between the people and the Egyptian army, keeping His people safe. God caused a wind to blow all night, dividing the water into two walls and drying up the sea floor between them. The next day the Israelites took their walk from fear to faith as they tramped to the other shore. When all His people were safe, God caused the water to flow back on the Egyptian army. The Lord fought for them. They needed only to stop being terrified and to trust Him. Moses led the trembling people to apply faith to their fear. They confronted it and turned it over to God, at least for that moment. Their faithful God took over and proved that He was stronger than their enemies.
What do you do with your fears? Use this biblical tool to apply faith to any fear.
Step 1. Confront it. What fears do you have right now?
Think of the things that make you afraid. The real fears and the imaginary ones.
Which ones are the most likely to tempt you to panic or to be terrified? Focus on those.
Step 2. Ask about each one: What is my worst-case scenario?
Start with one of those fears, perhaps the most terrifying one, and ask yourself, “What is likely the worst that could happen?” Think realistically not hypothetically.
Step 3. Consider this: If the worst I can imagine happens, could I handle it through the presence and power of Jesus Christ?
As a Christian, you have the power of the One who created the Universe living inside of you. Ask yourself, “Can He help me get through anything?” The answer is a definite, “YES!”
Hebrews 4 tells us that our high priest Jesus knows and understands what we are going through so we can go to Him for mercy and help in our time of need. That help usually comes from God’s power working on our behalf. Paul says in Ephesians chapter 3 verse 20,
“[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…”
His power is working in us. Paul says in Ephesians chapter 1 that it is working for us, too. So, say to yourself, “If the worst I can imagine happens, I can handle it through the presence and power of Jesus Christ working on my behalf.
Step 4. Remember the four truths essential to faith:
- God loves you.
- He knows what is going on in your life.
- He can do something about it.
- You can trust His goodness in whatever He chooses to do.
Repeat them to yourself. Over and over again. Believe them. Count on them.
Now that you have narrowed down the fear, determined you can handle it through Jesus’ power and presence, and remembered those four truths essential to faith. What’s next?
Step 5. Pray: hand it all to God
Prayer is simply talking to God about anything and everything. This is where you trust the Lord, handing it over to Him, whatever it is.
Thank the Lord for His presence and His goodness and anything else that comes to mind.
Ask Him for the courage and the peace to ride out the storm. Where the Bible is clear, you can claim God’s promises by faith—like the promise of peace. Jesus told His followers in John chapter 14 verse 27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Anytime, you can ask for peace, deliverance and protection. But, you cannot hold God to promises He hasn’t made. He hasn’t promised immunity from natural calamities, from illness, or from troubles.
Step 6. Live life securely in Him: What actions can you take?
Remember that fear as an emotion is designed by God to alert us to danger so that we will take action against it. So, while trusting God and praying for peace and courage, take common sense precautions. Be wise in the world.
If you are working through Everyday Women or The Walk from Fear to Faith Bible Studies, you’ll find a copy of this biblical tool in your study guide. You can also download it from my website. Just go to melanienewton.com and search “applying faith to fear.” Snap a picture to keep it on your phone, or print it and tuck into your Bible. Do whatever you need to help you apply faith to any fear.
Trust God to show you what to do and give you strength to do it when you are weak.
Joyful Walk Bible Studies by Melanie Newton are available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.