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Faith or Fear: Why Not Both?

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Christians are told all the time not to be afraid. After all, it says not to fear in the Bible 365 times. One for every day of the year, right? I am not going to lie to you, I truly believe in Christ and, yet, I still turn to fear. Being afraid of heights and bad grades are not the worst things in the world-I mean it is good to be cautious. When these fears of things that God is in complete control over take control over you, they become a real problem.

Part of trusting in God means giving up your cares and concerns to Him. This can be especially challenging when all you want to do is feel in control of a bit of life. We continually choose to keep our mouths shut about what we believe when it may be controversial because of fear. Or we miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because we are afraid of the “what if?” So how can you not turn to fear when the unknown, persecution, tragedy and heartbreak surround you?

The answer: fear. Not fear of what you cannot control, but fear, or awe, of the One who is in control of everything. A healthy reverence toward the Creator can take away the earthly fear in which it is incredibly easy to get tangled. The One who created and loves each one of us is much too amazing for us not to be in awe. Fear of God is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7) and it can motivate you to live a life pleasing to Him.

This fear takes away the fear that so often takes over our minds. We can choose not to worry about tomorrow because we know that God has tomorrow in his hands. Before you know it, fear turns into faith. Faith that God is in control and you don’t have to be; faith that in all things God does work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose; faith that He is who He says He is and knows the plans He has for you.

My fear of God, not the fears ingrained in my human nature, in turn grows my faith in Him. As a rather type A personality, letting go of the control that I think I have in my life seems nearly impossible. However, when I look back at how He has been faithful in my life, throughout His Word and in the lives of countless others, I cannot help but be overcome with awe. If I never let go of the fears that I am holding on to, I never allow God the opportunity to show Himself faithful in my life. Instead of letting my fears, no matter how well founded I convince myself they are, control me, I am going to choose to let my fear of the Savior motivate me to serve Him whole-heartedly.

And who knows? I may even go skydiving!

Writer Bio

IMG_4808Shelby Moll is a college student with one year before she becomes an Elementary school teacher. She loves Jesus, her family, sports and coffee! Although she would rather have control over everything in her life, she is learning that God may just be more capable. When she isn’t working or studying, you can find her spending time with her family and friends.

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