Fear & Doubt

1/8/2021

Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God." (ESV)

As I have mentioned before, the phrase "do not fear" is mentioned in the Bible 365 times, or so multiple sources say. Clearly this is something God wants us to understand. There is also a saying that fear and faith cannot reside in the same place. As a person who struggles with fear-based anxiety, I can tell you that when I am not focused on God or walking powerfully in faith, fear always creeps in. So, because I have this propensity to worry, I tend to recognize it and fight it through prayer and the Bible. I have total faith that God will give me peace, and He always does. 

Today I heard a sermon about doubt also being something outside of faith. Of course I know this is true, but when doubt creeps in, do I fight it through faith as well? Am I able to release my doubt to God? Everyone has doubts in life, but should we?

Some doubts are personal ones about your own abilities. Sometimes we doubt other people. Sometimes we doubt a situation in our lives will ever improve or change. Sometimes, especially in times of turmoil, we even doubt if God hears our prayers. 

Both doubt and fear are tools of the evil one to hold me back from becoming who God would have me be. These two things can clog up my mind and spirit so much that I will not be able to hear God. However, if I am truly walking with Him and trusting Him in all things, then why would I ever fear or doubt anything? Am I limiting myself through fear and doubt? God has no limits, so if He gives me a vision or a clear purpose, why should I worry? My Savior will equip me for anything and everything He calls me to do. "I can do anything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)