Facing Fear: Trusting God Through Life's Storms

Fear is a universal experience, woven into the fabric of our lives from the very beginning. Whether it’s the sudden jolt of a childhood prank, the anxiety of uncertain circumstances, or the deep worries about our future, fear finds its way into our stories. Yet, Scripture reminds us that fear itself is not the enemy—how we respond to it is what shapes our faith and our lives. From the first moments in Genesis, when Adam and Eve hid from God out of fear, to the storms faced by Paul on his journey to Rome, the Bible is honest about the reality of fear and the many forms it takes.

There is a healthy, reverent fear—a respect and awe for God’s power and holiness—that grounds us. But there are also the everyday fears: of loss, of failure, of the unknown, of circumstances beyond our control. These fears can paralyze us, or they can become opportunities for God to speak, to guide, and to grow us. Our bodies are wired to react quickly to danger, but our spirits are called to pause, to seek God’s presence, and to listen for His voice.

When circumstances threaten to overwhelm, we are reminded that God is always with us. His Spirit does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and a sound mind. Even when the storm rages, as it did for Paul and his companions at sea, God’s promises hold true. Sometimes, the way forward is not to escape the storm, but to trust God through it, obeying His leading even when it means letting go of our own lifeboats and false securities.

Wisdom comes in seeking the right voices—those who are in tune with God, who have renewed minds and discernment. We are called to evaluate our situations honestly, to use the senses and wisdom God has given us, and to obey when He speaks, even if the path is difficult. Jesus Himself faced fear and trouble, yet He chose obedience and trust in the Father’s purpose.

Ultimately, God’s peace is available to us—not as a denial of fear, but as a presence that guards our hearts and minds in Christ. Whether our fears are great or small, God invites us to bring them to Him, to pray, to trust, and to walk forward in His strength. Through every circumstance, He is faithful to protect, to provide, and to grow us in faith.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Fear is both a natural human response and a spiritual reality, first seen in Genesis when Adam and Eve hid from God. While some fear is protective and even healthy—such as a reverent awe of God—other fears can become obstacles if left unchecked. Recognizing the source and nature of our fears is the first step toward responding in faith rather than being ruled by anxiety. [26:23]
• 2. God’s presence is the antidote to fear. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly assures His people, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” This promise does not mean we will avoid storms or hardships, but that we never face them alone. The Spirit of God empowers us with courage, love, and a sound mind, enabling us to stand firm even when circumstances are overwhelming. [38:24]
• 3. Wise counsel and discernment are essential when navigating fearful situations. Like the centurion who had to choose between Paul’s warning and the advice of the ship’s pilot, we often face decisions about which voices to trust. Seeking guidance from those who are spiritually attuned and have renewed minds helps us discern God’s will and avoid the pitfalls of worldly wisdom. [44:02]
• 4. Obedience in the face of fear is a mark of mature faith. Paul’s steadfastness during the storm, and Jesus’ willingness to face the cross despite His troubled heart, show that faith is not the absence of fear but the choice to trust and obey God’s leading. Sometimes, God does not remove the storm but calls us to endure it, promising His presence and ultimate deliverance. [49:23]
• 5. God’s peace transcends understanding and guards our hearts and minds when we bring our fears to Him in prayer. Even when circumstances do not change immediately, God offers a supernatural peace that cannot be explained by logic or circumstance. This peace is rooted in Christ’s victory and is available to all who choose to trust Him with their anxieties and uncertainties. [53:01]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [06:23] - Worship and Announcements
• [20:48] - Children’s Worship Dismissal
• [21:15] - Family Update and Prayer
• [22:24] - Introducing the “No Fear” Series
• [22:50] - The Fear of Circumstances
• [23:27] - A Personal Story of Fear
• [25:36] - Where Fear Began: Genesis 3
• [27:08] - Two Types of Fear in Scripture
• [29:11] - Naming Our Fears
• [31:01] - The Science of Fear
• [33:25] - When Fear Becomes a Struggle
• [34:52] - Paul’s Journey and the Storm
• [37:22] - God’s Presence in Our Fear
• [39:45] - Evaluating Our Situation: Acts 27
• [44:02] - Seeking Wise Counsel
• [45:49] - Obedience and God’s Assurance
• [49:23] - Jesus’ Example in Facing Fear
• [51:56] - God’s Protection and Peace
• [54:10] - Paul’s Faith After the Shipwreck
• [56:25] - Responding to Fear in Prayer
• [57:28] - Closing Announcements and Invitation
• [62:32] - Remembering Dan Wilson and Final Blessing

Bible Reading

Genesis 3:8-10 (ESV) — > And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) — > For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Acts 27:21-26 (ESV) — > Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.”

Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 3, what was Adam and Eve’s first response after they sinned and heard God in the garden? What reason did Adam give for hiding?
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit does God give us, and what are its characteristics?
3. In Acts 27, what warning did Paul give to those on the ship, and how did the centurion respond to Paul’s advice?
4. When the storm was at its worst, what message did Paul receive from God, and how did he share it with the others on the ship?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Adam and Eve’s first instinct was to hide from God after they sinned? What does this reveal about the relationship between fear and shame?
2. The sermon mentioned that there is a “healthy, reverent fear” of God, but also everyday fears that can paralyze us. How can someone tell the difference between a fear that is healthy and one that is holding them back?
3. In the story of Paul’s shipwreck, the centurion had to choose between Paul’s warning and the advice of the ship’s pilot. What does this teach us about the importance of seeking wise, spiritually attuned counsel when we are afraid or uncertain?
4. The sermon said that sometimes God does not remove the storm, but calls us to trust Him through it. How does this challenge the idea that faith means we will always be protected from hard circumstances?

Application Questions

1. The sermon began by asking, “What are you afraid of?” Take a moment to honestly name a fear you are currently facing. How does naming it help you begin to deal with it?
2. When you are afraid, what is your first reaction—do you hide, run, freeze, or try to take control? How does this compare to Adam and Eve’s response in Genesis 3?
3. The sermon said that God’s presence is the antidote to fear, and that He gives us power, love, and a sound mind. What is one practical way you can remind yourself of God’s presence the next time you feel anxious or overwhelmed?
4. Think about a recent situation where you had to choose whose advice to follow. Did you seek out wise, spiritually mature counsel, or did you rely on your own understanding or the world’s advice? What was the result?
5. Paul and the sailors had to let go of their “lifeboats” and trust God’s word, even when it seemed risky. Is there a “lifeboat” or false security you are holding onto right now? What would it look like to let go and trust God instead?
6. The sermon mentioned that God’s peace “transcends understanding” and guards our hearts and minds. When have you experienced this kind of peace, even if your circumstances didn’t change? What did you do to receive it?
7. Jesus faced fear and trouble but chose obedience and trust in the Father’s purpose. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to obey, even though you feel afraid? What step of obedience could you take this week?