Facing Fear: Trusting God in Life's Battles
Summary
Fear is a natural and necessary emotion, given to us by God for our protection and discernment. It is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith to experience fear; rather, it is our response to fear that reveals the depth of our trust in God. Life inevitably brings moments that provoke fear—illness, uncertainty, threats, and challenges. Even when we are walking faithfully with God, as King Jehoshaphat did, the enemy may still come against us. The crucial question is not whether we will face fear, but how we will respond when it arises.
Jehoshaphat’s story in 2 Chronicles 20 teaches us that fear can be a catalyst for seeking God. When confronted by a vast enemy army, Jehoshaphat’s initial reaction was fear, but he immediately set himself to seek the Lord, called a fast, and gathered the entire community—including children—to pray together. This demonstrates that faith is not the absence of fear, but the decision to turn to God in the midst of it. Our trust in God must always be greater than our fear.
The battle, as God declared through the prophet, is not ours but His. Yet, this does not mean we are passive bystanders. God calls us to position ourselves, to stand ready, and to participate in faith. There is always a part for us to play—whether it is seeking God in prayer, coming together as a community, or taking practical steps in the face of adversity. God does what we cannot, but He expects us to do what we can.
Community is essential in the life of faith. When one member suffers, the whole body is affected. We are called to stand together, pray together, and support one another, knowing that the enemy’s attacks are not just personal but communal. Testimonies of God’s faithfulness build up the faith of others, reminding us that if God has delivered one, He can deliver all.
Ultimately, while fear may have its place, it must always be surrendered to trust in God. We do what we can, and we leave the rest in God’s hands, confident that He is with us, fighting on our behalf. In every situation—whether sudden storms or long-term battles—God’s presence and power are our assurance. The battle belongs to the Lord, and we are never alone.
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Key Takeaways
- Fear is a God-given emotion, but it is our response that matters. Experiencing fear does not mean we lack faith; it is a natural reaction to danger or uncertainty. What distinguishes a life of faith is choosing to seek God and trust Him when fear arises, rather than being paralyzed or overwhelmed by it. [49:53]
- Faith is not passive; it requires active participation. Even when God declares that the battle is His, we are called to position ourselves, prepare, and do what we can. There is a partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility—God will not do what we can do, and we cannot do what only God can. [01:17:58]
- Community is vital in facing life’s battles. The attacks of the enemy are not just individual but collective. When one member suffers, the whole body is affected. Coming together in prayer, fasting, and support strengthens our faith and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. [01:07:33]
- Testimonies build faith and foster hope. Sharing what God has done in our lives is not just for our own encouragement but for the strengthening of others. When we testify to God’s faithfulness, we remind the community that God is able and willing to do it again for someone else. [01:31:02]
- Trusting God means doing what we can and leaving the rest to Him. We are responsible for taking the steps within our power—whether seeking treatment, preparing for challenges, or praying in faith. For what is beyond us, we rest in the assurance that God is with us, fighting on our behalf, and that His presence is our peace. [01:26:22]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Trust in God
[02:30] - Acknowledgments and Introductions
[05:10] - Introduction: The Place of Fear
[08:20] - Understanding Fear in Scripture
[12:00] - Jehoshaphat’s Reforms and Faithfulness
[16:30] - The Enemy’s Attack Despite Faithfulness
[20:15] - Personal Testimony: Facing Cancer
[24:00] - Responding to Fear: Seeking God
[28:40] - The Power of Community and Unity
[34:10] - The Battle Belongs to the Lord
[39:00] - Active Participation in Faith
[44:30] - Standing Still and Trusting God
[49:50] - The Importance of Fellowship
[55:20] - Prayer, Testimony, and Closing Worship
[01:42:09] - Final Prayers and Blessing
[01:46:28] - Dismissal and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Fear Has Its Place"
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### Bible Reading
2 Chronicles 20:13-17 (ESV)
13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
15 And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.
16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel.
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Chronicles 20:13-17, what was Jehoshaphat’s first reaction when he heard about the enemy army, and what did he do next? ([49:53])
2. Who did Jehoshaphat gather together to seek the Lord, and why is it significant that children were included? ([01:07:33])
3. What specific instructions did God give to the people of Judah through the prophet Jahaziel? ([55:22])
4. In the sermon, what example did the pastor give from his own life about facing fear, and how did he respond? ([49:53])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God allowed Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah to experience fear, even though they were being faithful? What does this say about the role of fear in the life of a believer? ([49:53])
2. The prophet told the people, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” What does it mean for us today to let God fight our battles, and how do we know what our part is? ([55:22])
3. The sermon emphasized that faith is not passive, but requires action. What are some ways believers are called to “position themselves” in the face of fear or adversity? ([01:17:58])
4. Why is community so important when facing life’s battles, according to both the story of Jehoshaphat and the pastor’s teaching? ([01:07:33])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “Fear is a natural response that God has given to us, and nobody should say, ‘God, take away all fear from me.’” Can you think of a recent situation where fear actually protected you or helped you make a wise decision? How did you respond to that fear? ([49:53])
2. When you face a fearful or uncertain situation, what is your usual first response? Do you tend to act, freeze, or seek God? How might you practice “setting yourself to seek the Lord” like Jehoshaphat did? ([49:53])
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of community: “If one gets sick, we all get sick in that sense... we should all feel for that person.” Is there someone in your church or small group who is facing a battle right now? What is one practical way you can support or pray for them this week? ([01:07:33])
4. The pastor shared his testimony about facing cancer and still showing up to serve. Is there a challenge you are facing where you need to trust God and keep moving forward, even if you feel afraid? What would it look like to “do what you can and leave the rest to God” in your situation? ([49:53])
5. The story in 2 Chronicles 20 shows the whole community—including children—coming together to seek God. How can you involve your family or friends in prayer and support when you are going through a tough time? ([01:07:33])
6. The pastor said, “Every act of faith requires your active participation... there’s God’s part and then there is your part.” What is one area in your life where you need to take a step of faith, even if you’re waiting for God to act? ([01:17:58])
7. Testimonies build faith. Is there a story of God’s faithfulness in your life that you can share with the group to encourage others? How might sharing your story help someone else who is struggling? ([01:31:02])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust Him in the face of fear, to take the steps they can, and to support one another as a community.
Devotional
Day 1: The Battle is the Lord’s
When overwhelming challenges arise, it is easy to feel afraid and powerless, but God calls His people to remember that the battle ultimately belongs to Him. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced a vast enemy army, yet God’s word through the prophet was clear: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” This truth invites us to shift our focus from our own limitations to God’s limitless power and faithfulness. When we trust that God is fighting for us, we can stand firm, knowing that He is with us and will never fail us. [55:22]
2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (ESV)
And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
Reflection: What is one situation in your life right now where you need to stop striving in your own strength and instead declare, “The battle is the Lord’s”? How can you practically hand this over to God today?
Day 2: Fear Has Its Place—But Trust Must Be Greater
Fear is a natural, God-given emotion that can protect us, but it is not meant to control us or outweigh our trust in God. Jehoshaphat was afraid when he heard of the coming enemy, but his fear moved him to seek the Lord, not to despair. God does not ask us to be fearless, but to let our trust in Him be greater than our fear. When fear comes, it is an opportunity to turn to God, seek His guidance, and act in faith, knowing that His perfect love casts out all fear and that He is our refuge. [01:03:27]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Reflection: When you feel fear rising in your heart, what is your first response? This week, can you intentionally pause and turn that fear into a prayer of trust, asking God to help your faith be greater than your fear?
Day 3: Faith Requires Active Participation
Trusting God does not mean passivity; every act of faith requires our active participation. God told Jehoshaphat and Judah to “position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” They still had to show up, take their places, and be ready. In the same way, God calls us to do what we can—whether it’s seeking medical help, praying, serving, or preparing—while trusting Him for the outcome. There is God’s part, and there is our part; we are called to obedience and readiness, even as we wait for God to act. [01:17:58]
Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV)
And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Reflection: What is one step of obedience or preparation you can take today in an area where you are waiting for God to move? How can you “position yourself” while trusting God for the victory?
Day 4: Faith is Built in Community
When the enemy comes against one, he comes against all; faith is strengthened when God’s people seek Him together. Jehoshaphat called all of Judah—men, women, and children—to fast and pray, recognizing that the battle affected everyone. In the same way, the church is a body, and when one member suffers, all are affected. Coming together in prayer, worship, and support builds unity and faith, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. God often works through the prayers and encouragement of the community to bring victory and comfort. [01:31:02]
1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (ESV)
That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Reflection: Who in your church family or community is facing a battle right now? How can you reach out, pray with them, or offer support this week to help build faith together?
Day 5: God’s Presence Brings Peace in Uncertainty
Fear often arises from uncertainty about the future, but God’s presence brings peace even in the unknown. Whether facing a sudden crisis or worrying about what tomorrow may bring, we are reminded that the Lord is with us. Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples and reassured them not to be afraid. In every situation, God invites us to stand still, listen for His voice, and trust that He is watching over us. His presence is our assurance, and His peace can calm both the storms around us and the anxieties within us. [01:26:22]
Matthew 6:31-34 (ESV)
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Reflection: What is one worry about the future that is weighing on your heart? Take a moment to invite God’s presence into that place of uncertainty and ask Him to fill you with His peace today.
Quotes
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