At some point in life, every one of us will face something that makes us afraid. Maybe you’re going through it right now. Maybe you’ve been through it before. Or maybe something is ahead that you don’t even see coming yet. But one thing is certain: the fear factor in life is real.
King David knew that. The same shepherd boy who took down Goliath wrote in Psalm 23: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” He acknowledged that fear is part of walking through life’s valleys.
Fear comes from circumstances, situations, people, and even opportunities. Have you noticed that? Sometimes the good things create fear too:
- Getting married can be joyful and scary.
- Having your first child is amazing, but there’s worry.
- Changing jobs, moving to a new city, starting a new business—these all have built-in uncertainties.
- In our church, we have an Entrepreneur Club to encourage people to start businesses for God’s glory. I recently talked to a young man who told me he’s dedicating his new business to God—and let me tell you, that’s inspiring, but it’s also scary. That’s how life works.
So if fear is unavoidable, the question is: How do we handle it?
Jesus’ Lesson on Overcoming Fear
In Matthew 14:22–33, we see the disciples learning this lesson firsthand. Jesus told them to get in a boat and cross the Sea of Galilee. They obeyed—even though they had no idea what was coming.
At first, everything was fine. Calm seas. Beautiful night. But halfway across, the wind turned contrary. The Sea of Galilee is notorious for sudden storms. Waves rise fast—8 or 10 feet high in a small lake!
That storm terrified them.
And then Jesus did something incredible. He came walking on the water.
But instead of rejoicing, the disciples were even more afraid. They thought He was a ghost. Jesus had to say: “Be of good cheer. It is I; don’t be afraid.”
Peter even tried it himself. He stepped out onto the water—and as long as he looked at Jesus, he was fine. But when he focused on the storm, he started to sink.
What a picture of our own lives.
God’s Process for Overcoming Fear
This story shows that God has a process for helping us overcome fear. It’s not always easy. It doesn’t always make sense in the moment. But it’s always for our good.
Here are the key steps in God’s process:
1️⃣ Obedience Comes First
The disciples got in the boat because Jesus told them to. Obedience is always step one. Even if you don’t know what’s coming—even if you wouldn’t have chosen it—obey Him.
2️⃣ Expect Contrary Winds
Jesus knew they’d face a storm. He sent them anyway.
We want life to be smooth sailing, but God uses contrary winds to strengthen us. As Charlie “Tremendous” Jones once prayed over me (to my shock): “God, give this young man problems every day.”
Why? Because problems build character. Challenges grow faith. It’s the tough times that teach us to trust God.
3️⃣ Wait for Jesus in the Storm
Jesus didn’t show up instantly. He let them struggle for hours before He walked out on the water.
Why?
He gave them time to learn.
He showed them His power to overcome any circumstance.
Sometimes you’re praying, “Jesus, where are you? I need you now!” And He says, “Hang on. Wait it out. I’m teaching you something.”
4️⃣ Listen for His Voice
At first, fear made the disciples misinterpret Jesus as a ghost. Fear does that to us—it clouds our ability to hear and see God.
But then they heard Him say: “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
You can’t recognize Jesus in your storm until you learn to listen for His voice.
5️⃣ Step Out in Faith
Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come.” Jesus said, “Come.”
And Peter walked on water.
Yes, he sank when he took his eyes off Jesus. But he got out of the boat. He tried. He experienced a miracle.
Sometimes you have to take the step—even though it’s scary.
6️⃣ Jesus Will Never Abandon You
Even when Peter sank, Jesus grabbed him. Even when the storm raged, Jesus climbed in the boat and calmed the wind.
He never left them alone. He just let them go through the process so they could learn.
Our Modern Example
Let me share something personal.
We have Rob Arrington (the YouTuber behind Deer Meat For Dinner) coming to speak at our Sportsman’s Night Out. A few months ago, Rob had a stroke that affected his speech.
When I called his wife Sarah, I said, “I want Rob there—even if he can only say five words and you finish his sentences.” She started crying and said:
“Pastor, God has us in a process. He has a bigger plan. This stroke is part of it.”
That’s powerful. They’re living what I’m talking about today. They’re walking through fear and uncertainty, trusting God to use it for something greater.
Don’t Whine—Shine
When fear comes, you have a choice:
Whine about how unfair it is.
Or shine with faith in the One who’s with you in the storm.
Anyone can whine. But it takes a follower of Jesus to say:
“I’m not letting fear overcome me. I’m not letting circumstances bury me. I’m trusting Jesus.”
Jesus said: “Be of good cheer. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
When you recognize Jesus in your circumstances, you can choose joy over fear.
Your Call
Whatever fear you’re facing today, God has a plan to bring you through it.
- Start with obedience.
- Expect challenges.
- Wait for Him.
- Listen for His voice.
- Step out in faith.
- Trust that He will never abandon you.
And if you’re afraid of eternity—if you don’t know for sure where you’ll spend forever—that’s the biggest fear of all. The only way to overcome it is to turn to Jesus, ask Him to forgive your sin, and receive Him as Savior.
You can know for sure you’re going to heaven.
So today—give Him your fear.
Trust His process.
And let Him lead you to the other side.
Don’t whine. Shine.
