Faith and the Fear Factor: Overcoming Life’s Giants

It’s a powerful thing to hear the stories of what God has done in our lives. Each of us, no matter how small we may feel in the crowd, has been seen and touched by God. He is faithful, and He never fails us. Today, we reflected on the reality of fear and how it intersects with faith, especially in the storms of life. Fear is not just an emotion—it’s a spirit, and God has given us the authority to reject it. We are equipped with power, love, and a sound mind.

We revisited the journey of faith through life’s storms: storms are inevitable, even for the faithful; faith is found in our focus on Jesus, not our circumstances; and peace is found in His presence. We also remembered that when family fails, God prevails, and that His grace heals the wounds inflicted by culture. Today, we focused on the “fear factor”—how fear shows up in our lives and how we can respond.

There are four basic responses to fear: fight, flight, freeze, and faith. Three are natural, but only faith is supernatural. We looked at biblical examples for each. David faced Goliath not with borrowed armor or his own strength, but with the weapons God gave him and the memory of God’s past deliverances. He fought in the name of the Lord, not in his emotions. Jonah ran from God’s calling, but found that running only led to storms and delays. God’s correction brought him back, and surrender—not just invitation—was the key to restoration. The Israelites froze at the Red Sea, paralyzed by fear, forgetting God’s past victories. Yet, standing still in faith allowed them to witness God’s miraculous deliverance.

Finally, we saw that faith is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it. Daniel in the lion’s den didn’t fight, flee, or freeze—he prayed and trusted God. God shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel’s faith was honored. Faith doesn’t always remove the danger, but it removes the power of danger over us. It brings peace in the midst of chaos and allows us to act courageously even when we’re afraid.

God’s invitation is clear: “Fear not, for I am with you.” Faith is not about never feeling fear, but about knowing that God is near. Whatever you face—whether you’re tempted to fight, run, or freeze—choose faith. Trust God to guide, protect, and provide. Step out in faith, and let Him lead you through fear to victory, peace, and freedom.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Faith is acting despite fear Faith is not the absence of fear, but the courage to move forward even when fear is present. It’s about trusting God when circumstances are uncertain or overwhelming, and choosing to obey Him even when it’s uncomfortable. This kind of faith brings peace in the midst of chaos and allows us to experience God’s deliverance in powerful ways. [89:46]
• 2. God’s strength, not our own, brings victory Relying on our own strength or the world’s solutions will always fall short. True victory comes when we admit our weakness and allow God to be our strength. Like David, we must use the spiritual armor God has given us and remember His past faithfulness as we face new challenges. [66:57]
• 3. Running from God delays growth and multiplies problems When we flee from God’s calling or avoid difficult situations, we only prolong our struggles and increase our burdens. God’s correction is not punishment, but a loving redirection to His will. Surrendering fully to Him, rather than just inviting Him in, leads to restoration and renewed purpose. [84:41]
• 4. Freezing in fear paralyzes us before our miracle Fear can cause us to freeze, leading to procrastination, indecision, and spiritual paralysis. When we stand still in faith—trusting God to act even when we can’t see the way forward—we open ourselves to witness His miraculous provision. Don’t let fear keep you from stepping into what God has prepared for you. [87:17]
• 5. Faith honors God and brings lasting peace When we remain steadfast in faith, like Daniel, God is glorified and our lives become a testimony to others. Faith doesn’t always change our environment, but it changes us within it. The peace that comes from a relationship with God surpasses any comfort the world can offer, even in the midst of life’s lions. [95:35]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [52:28] - Introduction and Thanksgiving
• [55:21] - Personal Stories of Overcoming Fear
• [58:18] - Series Recap: Faith in Life Storms
• [61:41] - Four Responses to Fear
• [64:22] - Fight: David and Goliath
• [66:57] - Lessons from David’s Victory
• [70:10] - Fighting in God’s Strength
• [73:34] - Using God’s Armor, Not the World’s
• [76:35] - Flight: Jonah Runs from God
• [79:10] - Personal Story: Running from Calling
• [82:00] - Surrender and God’s Restoration
• [84:41] - The Cost of Running from God
• [87:17] - Freeze: Israel at the Red Sea
• [89:46] - Faith: Daniel in the Lion’s Den
• [95:35] - Honoring God through Faith
• [100:17] - God’s Timing and Restoration
• [102:25] - Choosing Faith Over Fear

Bible Reading

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

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (ESV) — > Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand... that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

Daniel 6:10, 21-22 (ESV) — > When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously...
> Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”

Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit has God given us, and what does this mean for how we face fear?
2. In the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), what did David rely on to face the giant, and how did he describe the battle?
3. How did Daniel respond when he knew the law was signed that would send him to the lions’ den if he prayed to God? What was the result of his faith?
4. The sermon described four responses to fear: fight, flight, freeze, and faith. Which biblical characters were used as examples for each response? ([01:01:41])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says fear is not just an emotion but a spirit, and God gives us authority to reject it. What does it look like in real life to reject a spirit of fear and instead walk in power, love, and a sound mind? ([52:28])
2. David refused to wear Saul’s armor and instead used what God had given him. What does this teach about facing challenges with what God has equipped us with, rather than relying on what works for others? ([01:06:57])
3. Jonah ran from God’s calling and ended up in a storm. What are some ways running from God can affect not just us, but those around us? ([01:19:10])
4. The Israelites froze at the Red Sea, but Moses told them to “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” How is standing still in faith different from being paralyzed by fear? ([01:27:17])

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Faith is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.” Can you think of a recent situation where you felt fear but had to choose to act in faith anyway? What did you do? ([01:29:46])
2. David remembered God’s past deliverances when facing Goliath. What is one way you can remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when you’re facing something scary or overwhelming? ([01:06:57])
3. Jonah’s story shows that running from God only delays growth and multiplies problems. Is there something in your life right now that you might be running from—maybe a calling, a hard conversation, or a step of faith? What would it look like to stop running and surrender to God? ([01:24:41])
4. The Israelites froze at the Red Sea, forgetting God’s past victories. Are there areas in your life where fear has caused you to freeze or procrastinate? What is one small step you could take this week to move forward in faith? ([01:27:17])
5. Daniel’s faith didn’t remove the lions, but it removed their power over him. Is there a “lion’s den” in your life right now—a situation that feels dangerous or overwhelming? How can you practice trusting God’s presence and peace in the middle of it? ([01:35:35])
6. The sermon said, “Faith doesn’t always change our environment, but it changes us within it.” How have you seen God change you in the middle of a difficult situation, even if the situation itself didn’t change? ([01:35:35])
7. God’s invitation is “Fear not, for I am with you.” What is one practical way you can remind yourself of God’s nearness when fear tries to take over this week? ([01:42:25])