Devotion #3: Faith in the Midst of Fear

“What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’” Romans 4:1-3 

There is a phrase that floats around many Christian circles, especially the times in which we live that just does not jive with God’s Word. I hear people say, with good intentions, “Faith over fear.” The statement is used when someone is going through tough times and they are afraid of a potential outcome.  

However, does anyone really have faith over fear? There are so many things in life that cause us to fear: financial concerns, health issues, international conflicts, politics, relational concerns, and career changes. There is a lot! 

Abraham is the father of the nation of Israel. He had the faith to pick up and move his family from his home when God called him. He had the faith to believe God when he was told that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, even though he was in his geriatric years. This faith was credited to him as righteousness. He was not saved by his works; he was saved because of his faith in God. 

However, this did not mean that he never feared. In the account of his life in Genesis, he often feared. He was afraid of what different kings would do when he saw his wife and how beautiful she was, so he lied to them and almost got everyone in trouble! In fact, the faith that he had when God told him he would be the father of many descendants was a faith in the midst of fear, not over fear. 

Abraham had been in the land God told him to go to for ten years, and no heir had been born to him. He was getting old! He was afraid that it would never happen for him and that his family inheritance would go to someone who was not his blood relative. 

God came to Abraham (his name was Abram at the time of this conversation) in Genesis 15:1 and declared: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Had Abraham had faith over fear, the conversation would have stopped there. However, he was still afraid that he would not receive this blessing. In the following verses, he laments to God that he does not have an heir and that a member of his household should be. He was afraid that the blessing would not be complete. Then, God took him outside and told him to look at the stars and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.  

In the middle of his fear, God met him. He had faith in what God said, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 

There will be so many times in life when you will be afraid. I know that is true in my life. God has promised to never leave you, nor forsake you. You are not alone. In those moments, you are called to have faith in the One who holds you. Yes, you are to do this in the midst of fear. This is not always easy, but God is always greater.