Choosing Faith Over Fear: Trusting God in Uncertain Times

When Fear Creeps In

Choosing faith over fear is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily, intentional choice. We all know the feeling: that tight grip of fear, when your thoughts spiral and peace feels just out of reach. Maybe it’s fear of failure, rejection, or uncertainty about the future. Perhaps it’s financial stress, health concerns, or a deep sense that life is spiralling beyond your control.

I’ve been there too. And here’s what I’ve learned: faith isn’t the absence of fear – it’s trusting God in the middle of it.

Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to growth. It keeps us paralysed, doubting our abilities, and questioning our purpose. But what if we stopped letting fear dictate our decisions? What if we chose faith over fear, even when it didn’t make sense?

There’s a common acronym for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. That hit home for me. Because fear often feels real, even when it’s not.

Why It’s Hard to Trust God During Uncertainty

Fear is part of our human wiring – our brain’s natural response to threats. But spiritually, fear becomes a barrier. It blocks our trust in God. When life feels out of control, we crave certainty. We want answers, plans, and guaranteed outcomes. And when we don’t get them? Anxiety rushes in to fill the void.

The enemy knows this. Fear is one of his most powerful weapons. It distorts our perception of God and paralyses our faith.

But Scripture reminds us:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

My Personal Struggle with Fear

One of my biggest battles has been with the fear of the unknown. If I couldn’t predict the outcome, I hesitated. Maybe you can relate:

• Should I apply for that job? What if I fail?
• Should I start that blog? What if no one reads it?
• What if I say the wrong thing? What if I’m not enough?

For two months, I let fear keep me from launching my blog. I wrestled with doubt, comparison, and overthinking. But everything changed when I started asking a new question:

What if God is in this?

Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, I chose to believe that God was calling me to take a step of faith. I surrendered the outcome and trusted Him with the process. If God is in the story, He will be glorified, no matter what.

Faith doesn’t mean we don’t wrestle. It means we stay anchored during the storm.

A Biblical Example of Unshakable Faith

My struggle was personal, but the Bible offers even greater examples of courage in the face of fear. One of my favourites? The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3.

These three men refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, even under the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace. Their bold response:

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it... But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold."  Daniel 3:17-18

🔥 Even if He does not. 🔥

Their faith wasn’t tied to outcomes. It was anchored in God’s goodness, regardless of what happened next. And God did deliver them. Not only were they unharmed, but the king praised their God and promoted them.

Choosing faith over fear doesn’t guarantee an easy path. But it assures us that God walks with us.

When Fear Holds Us Back

Fear has a sneaky way of delaying God’s promises. Consider the Israelites in Numbers 13–14. Their journey to the Promised Land could’ve taken just 40 days. But fear and doubt stretched it into 40 years.

Fear tells you you’re not good enough. Faith says God’s grace is enough.

Fear whispers you’ll fail. Faith declares that God is for you.

Exodus 14 gives another example. The Israelites stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. Fear overtook them, but God made a way where there was none. In His perfect timing, He parted the sea.

Then there’s Peter in Matthew 14. He walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the waves. Fear made him start to sink. But the moment he cried out, Jesus reached out His hand.

Like Peter, we’ll face storms. But if we fix our eyes on Christ, He’ll steady our steps.

4 Ways to Choose Faith Over Fear

So how do we build a faith that overcomes fear? Here are four powerful strategies:

1. Anchor Yourself in God’s Word

The Bible is your greatest weapon against fear. Did you know “Do not be afraid” appears roughly 365 times in Scripture? That’s one reminder for every day of the year!

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4

2. Limit Fear-Fueling Inputs

What you consume influences how you think. News cycles, social media, and even certain conversations can fuel anxiety.

Protect your peace. Take breaks. Set boundaries. Fill your mind with truth instead.

3. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled People

You don’t have to battle fear alone. Seek community. Walk with people who will encourage your faith.

"Walk with the wise and become wise..."  Proverbs 13:20

4. Worship Through the Worry

Worship changes the atmosphere. When fear tries to grip you, lift your eyes. Declare God’s goodness. Sing His promises. Praise your way through the panic.

Scriptures to Stand On When Fear Rises

Here are a few verses that have anchored me:

“Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”  Isaiah 41:10

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  John 14:27

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

You’re Not Alone in This

If you’re navigating uncertainty right now, know this: you are not alone. God sees your fear. He hears your prayers – even the quiet ones. He’s walking with you, even when the path feels dark.

And He will come through.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." — Ephesians 3:20

A Prayer for Overcoming Fear

🙏 Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unfailing love. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Even when I can’t see the full picture, I choose to trust You. Help me stand firm like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, confident that You are with me.

I break free from fear’s grip. I receive peace, courage, and boldness to move forward in faith. I am free.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What’s Your “Even If” Moment?

Have you faced a moment where you had to choose faith over fear? Or are you in that season now? Share your story in the comments below. We grow stronger together.

💬 Let’s encourage each other as we walk in faith.

Explore More Resources

For more practical tools, check out my Faith-Building Resource Page. Let’s keep growing together in choosing faith over fear.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” 

Martin Luther King Jr.