Prayer for Encouragement for Faith Over Fear
Fear is a peculiar thing. It can keep us within the bounds of safety, or it can cripple us with uncertainty. It can instill deep reverence and respect, or it can cause us to tremble and hide.
Fear can be a powerful thing for humans. It can keep us from doing all that God enables us to do. Fear can keep us from being who God wants us to be. However, fear is not the intention that the Father has for you. Your faith can conquer all fear.
Do Not Be Afraid
Isaiah 41:10, says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous hand.”
Did you know that God speaks to our fearful emotions 365 times in His Word?
How amazing and intentional the Father is that He addresses our fear, at least once for every day of our calendar year. I wonder how transformed our lives would be if we took our thoughts of fear captive and surrendered them to God each day, in our quiet time with Him.
As humans, we are naturally inclined to partner with fear when we don’t know the outcome. Yet, stories throughout the Bible are filled with ordinary people being called to do extraordinary things!
For example, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua led the people into the Promised Land. Esther defended her people. Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. The disciples continued the work of Christ.
What did these ordinary people have in common? Before the Lord calls them into obedience, He says one thing; “Do not be afraid.”
What a loving, kind, and merciful Father we have that He would remind us to be courageous right before He asks us to do the hard thing.
Our Help Comes From the Lord
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that God is with us and will help us along the way.
If we remember to step away from fear and focus our eyes on the Father, we will be strengthened through His Spirit. He gives lavishly to those who depend on and trust in Him. As we surrender our struggles and fears, He will pour out His shalom that will withstand any storm that surrounds us.
“I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Often it is easy to partner with fear and disbelief. But I encourage you to sit with the Father in daily quiet times with Him and release the fear and doubts.
Just like our need for nourishment through food and water each day, we also need His daily bread to function as disciples of Christ.
When we are intentional about renewing our minds in His Word and continuing heart-to-heart conversation through prayer with Him, we will be strengthened and encouraged to pursue the hard things before us.
Be encouraged that as you surrender your fear to Him in obedience, whatever God may be calling you to, He promises that you will be strengthened in faith.
Let Us Pray
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your mercy and Your Sovereignty. Not one thing in my life is a surprise to You, and in Your kindness, You have gone before me to prepare a way for boldness, encouragement, and faith.
Today, I commit to releasing my fear over trials and circumstances in my life as I seek Your Truth.
Father, I believe yet I struggle with unbelief! I ask for the courage to step into this world. May I be a light and help change those things You have called me to.
May I not rely on my own provisions but patiently wait for Your overflow of goodness as I seek Your face. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may release the fragrance of heaven to those around me.
Thank you for Your unconditional, all-encompassing love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.