Moving from Fear to Faith in God's Presence
Summary
Today is a day of celebration and transition, as many are graduating and stepping into new seasons of life. But with every new step, fear often tries to creep in, paralyzing us and making us question, “What if I fail? What if I’m not enough?” Yet, God’s plan for each of us is not to be held captive by fear, but to move forward in faith, trusting that His presence is with us every step of the way. Fear is a natural response, but it does not have to control our actions or our destiny. Every day, in big and small ways, we are all “graduating”—moving from one stage to another, overcoming old struggles, and stepping into new callings.
Looking at the story of Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea, we see how fear can tempt us to retreat to what is familiar, even if it means going back to bondage. God’s instruction is to “stand still”—to set aside our emotions, get out of our heads, and listen to what He is saying in our hearts. Head knowledge is valuable, but it is the presence of God within us that truly guides and sustains us. Our primary calling is not just to do things for God, but to be with Him, to live out of His presence, and to let His Spirit flow through us like a river.
Ezekiel’s vision of the river reminds us that God’s presence is not stagnant; it is a living, moving current that brings life wherever it flows. The question is not whether we have seen the river, but how deep we are willing to go. Are we content to just get our ankles wet, or will we allow ourselves to be carried by the current of God’s Spirit, even when it means facing the unknown? The difference between being paralyzed by fear and being mobilized by faith is found in how much of God’s presence we allow to fill and lead us.
Throughout Scripture, those who broke through fear—Bartimaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, the leper who returned, David facing Goliath—experienced breakthrough and transformation. God is like a refiner, holding us in the fire just long enough to purify us, never taking His eyes off us, waiting until He can see His reflection in our lives. Our greatest need is not a perfect plan, but a deep relationship with Him, allowing His Spirit to move us from fear to faith, from paralysis to purpose.
Key Takeaways
- Fear is inevitable, but it does not have to dictate our decisions or our future. The enemy uses fear to paralyze us, but God calls us to recognize fear without letting it control us. Every step forward in faith is a victory over the “what ifs” that try to hold us back. [01:47]
- When facing overwhelming situations, God’s first instruction is to “stand still.” This means setting aside our emotions and anxieties, getting out of our heads, and listening for God’s voice in our hearts. True direction comes not from logic alone, but from a heart attuned to His presence. [06:49]
- Our identity and worth are not rooted in what we do, but in who we are in God’s presence. Even when our roles or abilities change, our primary calling is to dwell in His presence and let His Spirit flow through us. This is the foundation for a life that is mobilized, not paralyzed. [10:39]
- The depth of our experience with God’s Spirit is a choice. Like Ezekiel, we can choose to stay in the shallow waters or allow ourselves to be carried by the current of God’s river. The more we surrender to His presence, the more we are empowered to face fear and move forward in faith. [16:52]
- God refines us through trials, never taking His eyes off us, using the heat of life’s challenges to purify us until His reflection is seen in us. The process may be intense, but it is always purposeful, leading us to greater freedom, faith, and fruitfulness as we trust Him through the fire. [31:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Fear and the “What Ifs”
[04:26] - The Israelites at the Red Sea
[06:49] - Standing Still and Setting Emotions Aside
[07:49] - Living from the Heart, Not the Head
[08:40] - Our True Calling: God’s Presence
[10:39] - Identity Beyond Performance
[14:01] - The River of God’s Presence
[15:45] - Going Deeper: Ezekiel’s Vision
[16:52] - Have You Really Seen?
[20:52] - Choosing Your Depth in God
[23:04] - Stepping Out in Faith
[25:01] - Cooperating with God’s Current
[27:04] - Running Toward, Not from, Fear
[28:49] - The Refiner’s Fire
[31:06] - God’s Reflection in Us
[33:01] - Prayer and Surrender to God’s Presence
[35:52] - Closing and Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Paralyzed or Mobilized
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### Bible Reading
- Exodus 14:13
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.”
- Ezekiel 47:1-6
Ezekiel’s vision of the river flowing from the temple, getting deeper as he is led further in.
- Malachi 3:3
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Exodus 14:13, what did Moses tell the Israelites to do when they were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army?
[[04:26]]
2. According to Ezekiel 47, what happened as Ezekiel was led further into the river? How did the depth of the water change?
[[15:45]]
3. What does Malachi 3:3 say about how God works in the lives of His people?
[[28:49]]
4. The sermon mentioned several people in the Bible who faced fear. Who were some of these people, and what did they do in response to their fear?
[[25:54]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God told the Israelites to “stand still” instead of immediately acting or running away when they were afraid?
[[06:49]]
2. In Ezekiel’s vision, what might the different depths of the river represent about our relationship with God and our willingness to trust Him?
[[16:52]]
3. The sermon says, “Our identity and worth are not rooted in what we do, but in who we are in God’s presence.” What does this mean for someone whose role or abilities have changed?
[[10:39]]
4. How does the image of God as a refiner help us understand the purpose of trials and challenges in our lives?
[[31:06]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Fear is inevitable, but it does not have to dictate our decisions or our future.” What is one area of your life right now where fear is trying to hold you back? What would it look like to move forward in faith instead?
[[01:47]]
2. When you face overwhelming situations, do you tend to react quickly or do you “stand still” and listen for God’s voice? Can you share a recent example? What might help you pause and listen more often?
[[06:49]]
3. The sermon talks about living from the heart, not just the head. Is there a decision or situation where you’ve been overthinking instead of listening to what God is saying in your heart? What would it look like to trust God more in that area?
[[07:49]]
4. Ezekiel had to choose how deep he would go into the river. Are you content to stay in the “shallow end” of your faith, or is God inviting you to go deeper? What is one step you could take this week to let God’s Spirit lead you further?
[[16:52]]
5. The sermon gives examples of people who broke through fear—like Bartimaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, and David facing Goliath. Is there a “giant” or challenge in your life that you need to face instead of running away? What would it look like to run toward it with God’s help?
[[27:04]]
6. God is described as a refiner who uses the heat of life’s challenges to purify us. Can you think of a time when a difficult season helped you grow or see God’s reflection in your life? How did you experience God’s presence during that time?
[[31:06]]
7. The sermon says, “Our greatest need is not a perfect plan, but a deep relationship with Him.” What is one practical way you can focus on your relationship with God this week, rather than just your performance or achievements?
[[10:39]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to move from fear to faith, and for a deeper experience of God’s presence in every area of life.
Devotional
Day 1: Do Not Let Fear Paralyze You—Stand Still and Trust God
Fear is a natural response when facing the unknown, but it should not control your actions or decisions. When you encounter moments of anxiety or uncertainty, God calls you to stand still, set your emotions aside, and trust in His plan rather than retreating in fear. By pausing and seeking God’s direction, you allow Him to work in your situation, rather than letting fear dictate your next steps. Remember, it is not about never feeling fear, but about not letting fear have the final say in your life. [04:26]
Exodus 14:13 (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.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where fear is tempting you to retreat or give up? How can you intentionally pause, set your emotions aside, and invite God to speak into that situation today?
Day 2: You Are God’s Masterpiece—Live from His Presence, Not Just Your Performance
Your identity and calling are not defined solely by what you do, but by who you are in God’s presence. While God equips you for specific roles and tasks, the most important calling is to dwell in His presence and let His Spirit guide your heart. When you focus on being with God rather than just doing for God, you find peace and purpose that transcends circumstances, achievements, or failures. [08:40]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: In what ways have you been measuring your worth by your performance or achievements? How can you shift your focus today to simply being in God’s presence and letting Him define your value?
Day 3: Go Deeper in God’s Presence—Don’t Settle for Ankle-Deep Faith
God invites you to experience the fullness of His presence, not just a shallow encounter. Like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, you can choose how deep you want to go—ankle, knee, waist, or fully immersed. The more you allow the Holy Spirit to move in your life, the more you are carried by God’s current rather than your own strength. Reflect on what level of God’s presence you are settling for, and consider stepping deeper into His flow, trusting Him to carry you through every season. [16:52]
Ezekiel 47:5-6 (ESV)
Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river.
Reflection: Are you content with a surface-level relationship with God, or are you willing to let Him take you deeper? What is one practical step you can take today to immerse yourself more fully in His presence?
Day 4: God’s Presence Brings Life, Healing, and Peace
The river of God’s presence is not stagnant; it brings life, healing, and joy wherever it flows. When you allow the Holy Spirit to move freely in your life, you experience a peace that surpasses understanding and a vitality that sustains you through challenges. God’s presence is the source of true gladness and strength, making you unshakeable even when circumstances are uncertain. [14:01]
Psalm 46:4-5 (ESV)
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Reflection: Where do you need God’s healing, peace, or joy to flow in your life right now? How can you open yourself to the movement of His Spirit in that area today?
Day 5: God Refines You Through Trials—Let His Image Shine in You
Just as a silversmith refines silver by holding it in the hottest part of the fire, God uses life’s challenges to purify and shape you. He never takes His eyes off you during these times, and His goal is to see His own reflection in your life. Rather than being destroyed by the heat of trials, you are being transformed to reflect God’s character more clearly. Trust that God is with you in the fire, working for your good and preparing you to be mobilized for His purposes. [31:06]
Malachi 3:3 (ESV)
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.
Reflection: Think of a current or recent trial in your life. How might God be using this situation to refine you and reveal more of His image through you? What would it look like to trust His process today?
Quotes
If we're paralyzed, talking about and going forward in the spiritual realm, most of the time that has to do with fear. I mean he knows that fear paralyzes us. It causes us to stop. But, but, but God has a plan for our life and, and he does not want us to be tormented by fear. [00:01:02] (18 seconds)
You see, that's what fear does to you. Fear will make you want to retreat. Matter of fact, the word fear, actually, I just looked up the word fear, literally, that's what it means. It means to run or to take a flight, to run or to take a flight. [00:05:44] (17 seconds)
There's constant, you can't see it, but in the spiritual realm, there's a constant flow of the presence of God flowing from the throne room of God all the way through your being, keeping you alive and keeping you intact and keeping you moving whenever you don't want to and whenever you do want to, just keeping you intact into the presence of God. [00:15:08] (20 seconds)
Have you seen this is what God is saying. And most of us answer. Everybody in here answers yes. Yes, yeah, I've seen it. Most of us come to church, and we have seen it, and we have made a decision. Where are we going to settle in? And we're telling God, I'm just going to roll my legs and my pants up here this morning, Jesus. And this is really all the presence I need in my life. This is how I'm going to worship. This is how I'm going to praise. This is how I'm going to live. This is how I'm going to make it. And it's going to kick around the presence of God a little bit. Because it's all I want. [00:21:17] (38 seconds)
How much fear is in your life? Do you fear? Yes, but I'm not gonna let that fear control me. I'm gonna go forward and it's easy not to let fear control you whenever you're wading in in the presence of God. How do you know it's the presence of God? Because you feel peace. What kind of peace? Peace that surpasses all understanding. [00:22:20] (22 seconds)
Sometimes God will open the door so wide and you just walk right through dry ground. And sometimes God will tell you, stick your feet in it. I want you to absorb it. I want you to understand it a little bit. What's your point? You never know what God's going to do, but if God's in it, then bless God, you're going to do what God has called you to do. [00:23:58] (21 seconds)
Goliath would still be living if David wouldn't have buzzed through fear and not run away from him. But the Bible says, my favorite part, and David ran towards him. Was he scared? I promise you he was. But do not allow fear to control you. You control it. Instead of, and if fear means to flee from, then do the opposite and run right straight to it. [00:27:04] (31 seconds)
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