Am I less of a christian for being afraid?
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.“
Psalm 56:3
Above fear
“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
Exodus 3:11
The story of Moses shows us that even the greatest leaders chosen by God faced fear. When the Lord called him to deliver the people of Israel, Moses immediately expressed his insecurity. He was afraid, questioned his ability, and even asked God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13), someone more qualified. This teaches us that fear is part of the journey but it cannot be the final voice that determines our decisions.
Even in the face of his insecurity, Moses chose to obey. God reminded him that he wouldn’t be alone (Exodus 3:12). That promise was what sustained Moses to take the first steps. He didn’t go because he was fearless, but because God was with him, so he had nothing to fear. The same applies to us: God calls us for our obedience and trust in Him. Courage exists when, even with fear, we choose to walk forward.
Many times we become paralyzed before even starting because we fear failure, feel incapable, or fear rejection. But God sees our hearts and knows our limitations. He equips us as we walk. What matters is not the absence of fear but the decision to move forward, trusting in God’s faithfulness.
The exhortation that moves us
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
After Moses, Joshua received the difficult task of leading the people toward the Promised Land. Like his predecessor, Joshua also felt fear. Fear is a common reality even among God’s chosen.
Joshua could have backed away from the responsibility, but he chose to trust. His obedience not only strengthened him but also became an example for the entire people of Israel, who needed a firm leader at that moment.
Just as God was with Joshua, He is also with us. Every new stage of life will bring challenges and insecurities, but the promise remains: the Lord walks beside us. Our strength lies in the certainty that we are not alone. We may feel fear, but we choose faith. We may hesitate, but we choose to move forward.
The Path to the Promises
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Fear tries to convince us that it’s safer to stay where we are, but God calls us to move forward. Fear cannot be the ruler of our hearts. It may exist, but it cannot define our steps.
If Moses had let fear dominate him, the people would not have seen deliverance. If Joshua had backed away, Israel would not have conquered the Promised Land. In our lives, fear also tries to stop us from living the blessings God has prepared. That’s why it’s essential to remember that courage is the fruit of trust in God, not of human strength.
Therefore, when fear comes, choose to remember the promises and walk toward them. Pray, declare the Word, and take the first step of faith. God is with you, just as He was with Moses and Joshua. Even with fear, we move forward, knowing that the Lord is our strength and shield. We are never alone, and what God has prepared for us is much greater than any fear we feel.
by
Rapha Abreu
Rapha Abreu é Jornalista e Produtora cultural, e faz parte da equipe de marketing, redação e produção de conteúdo da Mr. Rocco.
