Overcoming Fear With God’s Strength

Sermon Title: Overcoming Fear With God’s Strength**

## **Introduction**

Fear is a universal human experience. It comes in many forms—fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of people, fear of danger, and even fear of inadequacy. Yet Scripture repeatedly tells us: *“Do not fear.”*

God does not merely command us not to fear—He provides the **strength** and **power** we need to overcome it.

Today, we will explore how God empowers His children to rise above fear, walking boldly in faith and courage.

# **1. Fear Is a Natural Human Response, but Not God’s Will for Our Lives**

From the beginning, human beings have struggled with fear.

When Adam sinned, his first response was: **“I heard Your voice… and I was afraid”** (Genesis 3:10).

Fear entered the world as a result of sin.

But God, throughout Scripture, counters fear with **His presence** and **His promises**.

### **Key Insight:**

God’s message to fearful people is often the same:

**“Fear not, for I am with you.”**

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# **2. God’s Strength Replaces Our Weakness**

One of the greatest promises in Scripture is found in **Isaiah 41:10**:

> *“Fear not, for I am with you;

> Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

> I will strengthen you,

> Yes, I will help you,

> I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”*

This verse gives us **three divine assurances**:

### **a. God’s Presence — “I am with you”**

Fear often whispers, *“You are alone.”*

God declares the opposite: *“You are not alone.”*

Where God’s presence is, fear cannot dominate.

### **b. God’s Power — “I will strengthen you”**

Fear makes us feel weak, but God gives supernatural strength.

### **c. God’s Protection — “I will uphold you”**

God’s hand is a sustaining, protecting, and empowering hand.

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# **3. God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear**

Paul writes in **2 Timothy 1:7**:

> *“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”*

This tells us that fear is **not** from God.

### Instead, God gives:

* **Power** – ability to stand firm and act boldly

* **Love** – which casts out fear (1 John 4:18)

* **A sound mind** – clarity, peace, stability

Whenever fear grips your heart, recognize: it is not God’s voice.

His Spirit empowers, never paralyzes.

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# **4. Examples of God’s Strength Overcoming Fear in Scripture**

### **a. Moses and Israel at the Red Sea**

When Israel was trapped between Pharaoh and the sea, fear overwhelmed them.

But Moses declared:

**“Do not be afraid… The Lord will fight for you”** (Exodus 14:13–14).

God parted the sea—fear turned into faith.

### **b. Joshua taking leadership after Moses**

Joshua faced an impossible task: leading a nation into the Promised Land.

God encouraged him repeatedly:

**“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”**

(Joshua 1:9)

### **c. David facing Goliath**

David’s courage wasn’t from confidence in himself but in God:

**“The battle is the Lord’s.”** (1 Samuel 17:47)

### **d. The disciples in the storm**

When the storm terrified the disciples, Jesus said:

**“Take courage! It is I; don’t be afraid.”** (Matthew 14:27)

In every case, fear was defeated by **the presence, power, and promise of God.**

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# **5. Walking in Courage Through God’s Strength**

### **1. Meditate on God’s Word**

The more you fill your heart with God’s truth, the less room fear has.

God told Joshua:

**“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth…”** (Joshua 1:8)

### **2. Pray and Cast Your Anxiety on Him**

Philippians 4:6–7 tells us to pray about everything, resulting in peace that surpasses understanding.

### **3. Trust in God’s Perfect Love**

*“Perfect love casts out fear.”* (1 John 4:18)

When we know God loves us deeply, fear loses its grip.

### **4. Step Forward in Faith**

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is moving forward *in spite* of fear because God strengthens you.

### **5. Remember God’s Faithfulness**

David said:

**“The Lord who delivered me… will deliver me.”** (1 Samuel 17:37)

Past victories fuel present courage.

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# **Conclusion**

Fear is powerful, but **God’s strength is greater**.

He does not leave us to battle fear alone.

He promises His **presence, power, and protection**.

When fear rises, speak God’s Word.

When doubt whispers, remember God’s past faithfulness.

When anxiety grips, call on the strength of the Lord.

Declare like David in Psalm 27:1:

> *“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

> The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”*

Through God’s strength, you can overcome every fear and walk boldly in the freedom He provides.