Fearless Faith
2 Timothy 1:7 — For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
When the apostle Paul wrote the above words to Timothy, he was reminding his young pastor friend of the unfeigned faith inside him, a genuine faith in God handed down through the generations. The gift of God was in Timothy, and that being true, he had no reason to fear any afflictions surrounding him.
Time and time again in the Bible God says to His people, “Do not be afraid.” Fear does not come from God. In fact, 1 John 4:18a tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment…” Verse 8 of the same chapter says, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” God IS perfect love, and perfect love casts out fear.
All those who believe in Jesus possess the earnest gift of God: the Holy Spirit (i.e. Himself). Power, love, and a sound mind (lack of confusion; see 1 Corinthians 14:33) are all characteristics of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if the Holy Spirit dwells within us, there’s no room left for fear.
So, what is the opposite of fear? The thesaurus provides antonyms like assurance, calmness, joy, confidence, contentment, courage, and bravery… as well as faith and love
This begs the question: what does fearless faith look like?
A great biblical example of fearless faith is found in Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus’ disciples found themselves in a boat on the Sea of Galilee… in the middle of the night… in the middle of a windstorm. In the fourth watch of this wave-tossed night, they saw a figure walking on the water toward them. They were very likely sleep-deprived, weary, and anxious… when suddenly they see what looks like a “spirit” coming across the water toward them. No wonder they cried out, afraid! Sensing their fear, Jesus says to them, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
Peter responded first, but not with complete confidence. “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water,” he said (verse 28, emphasis mine). He recognized Jesus’ voice, but wanted further proof.
How many times have we done the same? We recognize Jesus’ voice in our lives, but because the circumstances are different than what we expect, we doubt what we hear or see.
Jesus responded to Peter, “Come.”
In what could only be described as a moment of fearless faith, Peter believed it really was Jesus, just as He said He was. So Peter obeyed. Peter got out of the boat, ignored the boisterous winds and violent waves all around him, and walked confidently to Jesus. In that moment, the entirety of his faith and trust was fully and fearlessly focused on Jesus. His Lord bade him, “Come,” and without further question, he did. Peter’s faith defied all human logic. God’s power within him gave Peter the ability to walk on water.
Does it make you wonder what Jesus would ask of you, if your faith and trust was fully and fearlessly focused on Him?
Mere heartbeats later Peter’s focus wandered back to the wind and waves. Fear and doubt crept back into his heart and mind, and subsequently he started to sink. In his distress, he cried out to the One he knew was able save him. Immediately, Jesus caught him.
Peter did not sink that night. In fact, as soon as he and Jesus climbed back into the boat, the wind ceased to blow.
Oh, to trust in the One who controls all of creation!
Paul wanted Timothy to remember his fearless faith. God the Holy Spirit indwells Timothy, leaving no room for fear. He encouraged his young pastor friend to move forward in confidence, knowing no circumstance, prison, or affliction of any kind can overpower God Almighty.
What would fearless faith look like in your life? Is there somewhere God is asking you to go? Is there a relationship God is asking you to pursue or strengthen? Is there a ministry He’s asked you to start or join? If so, what doubts hold you back? What is causing you to question whether or not you’re really hearing God’s voice?
Pray and ask Him to reveal your doubts to you, and also to rescue you from them. I pray, friend, that if He’s called you to do something, that you’ll fully trust Him and fearlessly walk on the water toward Him.
