Don't Be Afraid

Fear is the greatest barrier to our faith.

“While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, ‘Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.’ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well’” (Luke 8:49-50).

Jesus made it abundantly clear to Jairus that his daughter’s healing depended not on his fear but on his believing. Fear and faith cannot exist together. They are incompatible.

How often have we known God’s will, mentally believed it, spoken of it as ours, and, yet, not seen our promise? The underlying issue is fear.

Many Christians express fear when they’re sick or facing a bad diagnosis. They know God’s will concerning their health, and they are hopeful that they might receive healing, but within their heart is a fear that is eroding their faith.

“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:14-15, NLT).

The fear of dying is the fear from which all other fears grow. When the fear of death is destroyed, the bondage of other fears is also destroyed. Jesus broke the power of death. You’re no longer a slave to fear. You can be free to appreciate life, experiencing God’s peace, joy, and love. This is an environment where faith can come to life.

There is no reason to fear dying. Isn’t death just passing from here into the very presence of God, the essence of eternal Love, where there is unspeakable joy? Those who fear death choose to be a slave to every other fear, and when you live in fear, you have no abundant life.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Just as fear destroys faith, love destroys fear. Perfect love casts out fear. Fear is torment, but knowing the love of God releases you from its torment. Do you truly know God loves you? The perfect love of God casts out fear. If you are living in fear and not receiving the benefit of your faith, the love of God is your solution.

Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I can know the perfect love of God that casts out fear and all evil (Psalm 23:4). 

I'm loved, and fear has no power in my life.