The Fight Against Fear: Walking In Courage Series

Common Negative Acronyms

1. F.E.A.R. – False Evidence Appearing Real: Suggests that fear often arises from imagined or exaggerated threats. Rutter

2. F.E.A.R. – Forget Everything And Run: Highlights a flight response and avoidance mentality.

Introduction: A powerful example of a Bible character who dealt with fear is Elijah. (1 Kings 19:1–18) After his dramatic victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), Elijah receives a death threat from Queen Jezebel. Despite just witnessing God's power, Elijah becomes deeply afraid and runs for his life into the wilderness.

1 Kings 19:3–4 –

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life... He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said.”

I. What can we learn from Elijah’s fear?

• Fear can strike even the faithful. Elijah had just seen God send fire from heaven yet fear still overwhelmed him.

• God meets us in our fear. God didn't rebuke Elijah harshly—He fed him, let him rest, and then gently spoke to him in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12). Max Lucado said: "God does not always take away our fear, but He always meets us in it—with His presence, His peace, and His promises."

• We are never truly alone. Elijah believed he was the only faithful one left, but God revealed there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal.

Takeaway: Fear is human, but God is faithful. Like Elijah, we may feel exhausted and alone, but God reminds us: “I am with you, and I still have work for you to do.”

II. Here Are Four Dangers of Fear in the Christian Life:

1. Fear Paralyzes Faith “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrews 11:6

• Fear can cause us to doubt God’s promises, preventing us from stepping out in faith. Like Peter walking on water, the moment he focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink (Matthew 14:30). Fear can keep us stuck—too cautious to obey God’s call.

2. Fear Distorts God’s Character “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

• When fear takes hold, it can make us question God’s goodness, nearness, or power. The Israelites, for example, feared the giants in the Promised Land more than they trusted the God who had delivered them (Numbers 13:31–33).

3. Fear Steals Our Peace and Joy “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.” – Philippians 4:6–7

• Chronic fear leads to anxiety, restlessness, and even spiritual burnout. Instead of living in the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10), we live under a cloud of worry, missing the gifts of today.

4. Fear Leads to Disobedience “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

• Sometimes fear of people or outcomes causes us to compromise or disobey God’s commands. Saul lost his kingdom because he gave in to fear of the people (1 Samuel 15:24). Fear can become a false master.

Conclusion:

Fear is a natural emotion, but it becomes dangerous when it replaces faith, distorts truth, and takes control of our decisions. As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

Positive/Redemptive Acronyms

• Face Everything and Rise- Encourages courage and faith in the face of difficulty.

• Faithfully Embracing Almighty’s Reassurance- A spiritual reminder to trust in God’s promises.

• * For Every Anxiety, Remember- A call to recall God’s faithfulness when afraid.

• Fully Entrusting All to the Redeemer- Surrendering control to Christ instead of giving in to fear.

III. We Can Have Victory Over Fear

Victory over fear is not about denying that fear exists—but learning to confront it through faith, truth, and the presence of God. Here's how the Bible shows us the path to overcoming fear:

1. Remember God’s Presence: “Fear not, for I am with you...” – Isaiah 41:10

• God's presence is the antidote to fear. Knowing that the Creator of the universe is with us gives us courage to face what terrifies us. We don’t fight fear alone.

2. Stand on God’s Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

• Scripture replaces the lies that fear whispers with the truth of God’s promises. When fear says, “You can’t handle this,” God’s Word says, “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you” (Philippians 4:13).

3. Pray Honestly and Persistently: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

• Bring your fear to God in prayer. Tell Him exactly how you feel. Prayer is not just a ritual—it’s a place of refuge, power, and perspective. Prayer shrinks fear because it enlarges your awareness of God.