When Fear Overtakes Faith: Strength in the Storm
There comes a time in everyone’s journey when fear grips so tightly that faith feels like a distant whisper. It’s the moment when doubt creeps in, making God's promises seem far away. When we stand at the edge of uncertainty, unable to see how things will work out, fear speaks loudly: What if you fail? What if this isn’t for you? What if God doesn’t come through?
I’ve been there. More times than I’d like to admit.
Maybe you have too. Maybe you’ve prayed and trusted, yet still felt overwhelmed by fear. You know what God has promised, but the reality in front of you looks nothing like what you expected. Your heart races, your thoughts spiral, and faith—once so strong—feels like it’s slipping through your fingers.
The Weight of Fear
Fear is paralyzing. It makes mountains look impossible to climb and battles seem unwinnable. It made Peter sink when he walked on water (Matthew 14:30). It made the Israelites hesitate at the Promised Land, focusing on giants instead of God’s promise (Numbers 13:31-33). Fear distorts reality. It magnifies the problem and minimizes God’s power.
But here’s the truth: Fear is not of God.
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” If fear isn’t from God, then we must recognize it as something that seeks to separate us from Him.
When Faith Feels Small
Faith doesn’t mean never feeling afraid but trusting God even when fear is present. Think about the disciples on the boat in Mark 4:35-41. The storm raged, and despite being in the presence of Jesus, they were terrified. They panicked, waking Him up and asking, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38).
How many times have we asked God the same thing? Lord, don’t You see what’s happening? Don’t you care that I’m drowning in this?
Jesus’ response was simple but powerful: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Then He calmed the storm.
He was with them the whole time, just like He is with us. Fear tries to convince us that we’re alone, but faith reminds us that God is always present, even when we can’t feel Him.
Fighting Fear with Faith
So, what do we do when fear overtakes faith? How do we keep our eyes on God when everything wants to run?
Here are a few principles I’ll be leaning into over the next 75 days, and I invite you to do the same:
Speak the Word – Combat fear with truth. When fear says you’re alone, declare Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” When fear says you’ll fail, remind yourself of Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
Spiritual Intelligence—Train your spirit to discern God’s voice even in chaos. This means time in the Word, quiet time with God, and learning to recognize what is divine and what is distraction.
Emotional Intelligence: Name your fears. Don’t hide from them. Acknowledge how you feel and align it with the truth of who God is.
Intellectual Intelligence – Grow your mind with what builds your faith. Read books, listen to sermons, and engage in podcasts that challenge fear-based thinking and lead you to a renewed mind (Romans 12:2).
Small Steps of Obedience – You don’t have to leap; you just have to step. Every act of obedience strengthens your faith muscle. Peter may have sunk, but he also walked on water.
Accountability and Community – Don’t do this alone. Invite people into your process who will speak life, truth, and love over you.
Rest in God’s Presence – Fear thrives in unrest. Pause. Breathe. Worship. Journal. Create space to feel God again.
Fear Has an Expiration Date
The good news is that fear is temporary. The enemy wants you to believe that fear will always have the upper hand, but it won’t. Every storm passes. Every trial has an end. And every time fear tries to steal your faith, you have the power to stand on the Word of God and push through.
Faith doesn’t mean never feeling afraid. It means trusting that God is bigger than whatever you’re facing. It means believing that He is still in control even in the storm.
So if you’re in a season where fear seems overwhelming, take a deep breath. Pray. Open your Bible. Remind yourself of who God is. He is still the same God who calms the storm, makes a way in the wilderness, sees you, loves you, and never lets you go.
Let your faith rise, even in the face of fear. Because no matter how loud fear gets, God’s voice is always stronger.
Prompt for Reflection: What fear has been holding you back, and what truth from God's Word can you declare over it today?
