Faith Over Fear: Trusting God in Uncertainty
Summary
Faith is not the absence of fear, but the choice to trust God in the midst of it. Over the past two decades, the journey with Wycliffe has been a living testimony to this truth. When Carolyn and I first joined, there were 2,700 languages without access to God’s Word. Today, that number has dropped to 800, a testament to what God can do when His people step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain and the cost is high. The story of our own calling—leaving a secure law career with only 30% of our support raised—was a moment when fear nearly won. But God, in His grace, used even my hesitation to teach me deeper trust. He provided, not just for us, but for the work He called us to.
Faith prevailing over fear is not just a personal journey; it’s a calling for the whole church. We see this in the lives of our leaders, like Pastor Darren and his family, who left comfort and familiarity to serve here, only to be greeted by literal and figurative storms. Yet, time and again, they have chosen to run toward need, not away from it—helping families devastated by hurricanes, launching sports camps for the unchurched, and building bridges through ESL ministries. Their example reminds us that faith is often forged in discomfort, not ease.
Scripture gives us a powerful picture of this in the story of Israel. After centuries of slavery, God delivered His people, but when faced with the giants of Canaan, fear paralyzed them. Only Joshua and Caleb believed God’s promise. As Joshua took leadership, God’s command was clear: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This is not a call to muster willpower, but to lean into God’s presence, supported by community, and empowered by the Spirit.
Hardship is not a sign of God’s absence, but often the very place where faith grows. The greatest advances in Bible translation, and in our own lives, have come from seasons of discomfort and uncertainty. God’s promise remains: He is with us, wherever we go. Whether in the chaos of Dar es Salaam or the challenges facing our church family, His presence is our assurance. As we bless and pray over the Anderson family, and as we face our own fears, may we hold fast to the truth that God goes before us, and our faith, anchored in Him, will prevail.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Call Often Requires Letting Go of Security
True faith is rarely comfortable. When God called me to leave my law practice before financial security was in place, my initial fear nearly kept me from obedience. Yet, God’s grace met me in my weakness, and stepping out in faith opened the door for His provision and purpose. Sometimes, God asks us to let go of what we can see so we can receive what only He can provide. [29:03]
- Community is Essential for Courageous Faith
God’s commands are not meant to be carried out in isolation. The story of Job’s friends reminds us that presence, not platitudes, is often the greatest comfort in hardship. We need each other—community groups, accountability, and simply being with one another—to walk through seasons where faith is tested and courage is required. [43:24]
- Discomfort is the Soil Where Faith Grows
Comfort can lull us into spiritual stagnation, but discomfort forces us to rely on God. The greatest advances in Bible translation, and in our own lives, have come from seasons of uncertainty and challenge. Rather than seeking to avoid hardship, we can embrace it as the place where God stretches and strengthens our faith. [46:11]
- God’s Presence Transcends Our Limitations
When we feel unqualified or overwhelmed, God’s presence is our sufficiency. In Tanzania, not knowing anyone or how to begin, God orchestrated connections beyond anything I could have planned. His omnipresence means He is already at work ahead of us, preparing the way and providing what we need, even when we cannot see it. [50:44]
- Faith Prevails When We Anchor Ourselves in God’s Promises
God’s command to Joshua—and to us—is to be strong and courageous, not because the journey is easy, but because He is with us. Our faith is not a product of willpower, but of clinging to God’s promises, trusting that He will never leave or forsake us. As we face transitions, storms, and unknowns, we can move forward in confidence, knowing our God is faithful. [59:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Wycliffe’s Global Progress and Vision
[04:30] - Personal Story: Wrestling with Fear and Faith
[10:45] - Stepping Out: Leaving the Law Firm
[15:20] - Faith in Action: Pastor Darren’s Example
[19:55] - Community Impact: Hurricanes and Outreach
[23:40] - The Biblical Pattern: Israel’s Fear and Failure
[29:03] - Joshua’s Leadership and God’s Command
[36:33] - Scripture Reading: Joshua 1:9
[40:43] - The Command of Faith and Need for Community
[43:24] - The Power of Presence in Suffering
[46:11] - Discomfort as a Catalyst for Faith
[48:00] - Vision 2025: Breakthroughs in Bible Translation
[50:44] - God’s Presence in Tanzania: A Testimony
[59:34] - Prayer and Blessing Over the Anderson Family
[01:13:06] - Final Exhortation and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faith Prevailing Over Fear
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### Bible Reading
- Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
- Job 2:11-13
“Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place... They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Joshua 1:9, what specific command does God give to Joshua, and what reason does He give for this command?
2. According to Deuteronomy 31:6, what is the basis for Moses’ encouragement to the people of Israel as they face their fears?
3. In Job 2:11-13, what did Job’s friends do when they first arrived, and how did their actions provide comfort?
4. The sermon described a time when the speaker’s fear almost kept him from obeying God’s call to leave his law practice. What was the turning point that led him to step out in faith? [[30:54]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God repeatedly tells His people to “be strong and courageous” rather than simply removing their fears? What does this reveal about God’s character and His expectations for us? [[39:07]]
2. The sermon says, “Faith is not the absence of fear, but the choice to trust God in the midst of it.” How does this definition of faith challenge or encourage your understanding of what it means to trust God? [[29:03]]
3. The story of Job’s friends shows the power of presence over words in times of suffering. Why might simply being with someone be more helpful than offering advice or explanations? [[43:24]]
4. The speaker claims, “Discomfort is the soil where faith grows.” Why might God allow or even use discomfort and uncertainty to build our faith? [[46:11]]
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### Application Questions
1. The speaker shared about leaving a secure job with only 30% of their support raised, trusting God to provide. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to step out in faith, even though it feels risky or uncomfortable? What would it look like to take a first step? [[30:54]]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of community in walking through fear and hardship. Are you currently connected to a group of believers who can support you in your faith journey? If not, what is one step you could take to build that kind of community? [[43:24]]
3. Think about a recent situation where you faced fear or uncertainty. Did you try to handle it alone, or did you invite others to walk with you? How might your experience have been different if you had more support? [[43:24]]
4. The speaker said, “Comfort is the enemy of faith.” In what ways might comfort or routine be holding you back from growing in faith? Is there a specific area where you feel God is inviting you to embrace discomfort for the sake of growth? [[46:11]]
5. The story of God’s presence in Tanzania showed that God was already at work, even when the speaker felt unqualified and alone. Can you recall a time when God provided in a way you didn’t expect? How does remembering that encourage you to trust Him with current unknowns? [[50:44]]
6. God’s command to Joshua was not to muster willpower, but to lean into God’s presence and promises. When you feel overwhelmed, what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God’s presence and promises? [[39:07]]
7. As a church, the sermon called everyone to “run toward need, not away from it.” Is there a need in your community, church, or neighborhood that you feel God might be prompting you to move toward in faith? What is one action you could take this week? [[19:55]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust Him in the midst of fear, to build courageous faith, and to experience His presence wherever they go.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Prevails Over Fear
There are moments in life when fear seems overwhelming, threatening to paralyze us and keep us from stepping out in faith. Yet, God calls us to trust Him even when the path ahead is uncertain or daunting. Like Joshua standing before the Promised Land, we are commanded to be strong and courageous, not because the journey is easy, but because God Himself goes with us. When we choose faith over fear, we open ourselves to witness God’s provision, guidance, and victory in ways we could never imagine. [39:07]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where fear has been holding you back from trusting God fully? What step of faith can you take today to move forward, believing He is with you?
Day 2: The Power of Community in Courage
God never intended for us to walk the journey of faith alone. When facing hardship or the call to courage, the presence and support of others can be a profound source of strength. Sometimes, the most powerful comfort we can offer is simply to be present with someone in their suffering, as Job’s friends did before they spoke. Community is God’s gift to help us obey His commands, bear one another’s burdens, and encourage each other to remain strong and courageous in the face of fear. [43:24]
Job 2:11-13 (ESV)
"Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him. And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great."
Reflection: Who in your life might need your silent presence and support this week? How can you intentionally show up for them without feeling the need to have all the answers?
Day 3: God’s Presence in Hardship
Hardship and discomfort are often the very places where faith is forged and deepened. While comfort can lull us into complacency, it is in seasons of challenge that we most clearly see our need for God and experience His sustaining presence. Even when the way forward is unclear or the obstacles seem insurmountable, God promises to be with us, guiding and providing in ways we may not expect. His presence is our assurance that we are never alone, no matter how difficult the journey. [50:44]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed—how did you experience God’s presence in that season? What can you do today to remind yourself that He is with you in your current challenges?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness
There are times when we do not even know how to pray or what to say in the face of suffering or fear. In these moments, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, expressing our deepest needs to God with groanings too deep for words. We are not left to rely on our own strength or understanding; God Himself comes alongside us, helping us in our weakness and aligning our hearts with His will. This assurance frees us to be honest about our struggles and to lean on the Spirit’s help in every circumstance. [44:50]
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel too weak or confused to pray? Take a few moments in silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to intercede for you and trusting that God understands your heart.
Day 5: Discomfort as a Catalyst for God’s Vision
Seasons of discomfort and challenge are often the birthplace of God-sized vision and transformation. When we are willing to step out of our comfort zones and trust God in the unknown, He can accomplish far more than we could ever imagine. Whether it’s a personal calling, a ministry endeavor, or a new direction for a community, God uses our willingness to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for His purposes. Faith that prevails over fear is not about the absence of hardship, but about trusting God to do the impossible through us. [48:00]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Where is God inviting you to step out of your comfort zone for His purposes? What is one practical way you can say “yes” to His vision, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable?
Quotes
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