Overcoming Fear: The Power of Faith and Perspective

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound battle between faith and fear, focusing on how our perspective shapes our experiences and spiritual journey. We began by acknowledging the challenges and burdens of life, recognizing our need for God's presence and strength. We invited the Holy Spirit to fill us, to heal, and to set us free from whatever holds us back. This is a day the Lord has made, and we are here to rejoice and be glad in it, trusting that God has something good in store for each of us.

We delved into the concept of perspective, emphasizing that it is not about the reality of our circumstances but how we interpret them. Using examples like roller coasters and rain, we illustrated how different perspectives can lead to vastly different experiences. This led us to the heart of our discussion: the battle between faith and fear. Fear focuses on the problem, while faith focuses on the provider. Fear sees the storm, but faith sees the Savior. We are called to choose faith, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to trust in His promises.

The story of Peter walking on water served as a powerful illustration of this battle. Initially, Peter's focus was on Jesus, and he was able to do the impossible—walk on water. However, when he shifted his focus to the storm, fear took over, and he began to sink. This story teaches us that our perspective determines our experience. When we focus on Jesus, we can overcome the storms of life. But when we focus on the storm, we are overwhelmed by fear.

We concluded by encouraging everyone to take action against fear. This involves naming our fears, questioning our perspective, shifting our focus to God, and taking steps of faith. We are reminded that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, and He is always ready to help us when we call out to Him. As we leave today, let us choose to focus on the unseen, trusting in the great I Am, and stepping out in faith, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Perspective: Our perspective is not about the reality of our circumstances but how we interpret them. By choosing to focus on God rather than the storm, we can experience peace and victory in our lives. [37:58]

- Faith vs. Fear: Fear focuses on the problem, while faith focuses on the provider. We are called to choose faith, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to trust in His promises, knowing that with God, all things are possible. [42:41]

- Peter's Lesson on Faith: The story of Peter walking on water illustrates the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus. When Peter focused on Jesus, he did the impossible. When he focused on the storm, he began to sink. Our focus determines our experience. [59:40]

- Taking Action Against Fear: To overcome fear, we must name our fears, question our perspective, shift our focus to God, and take steps of faith. Jesus is always ready to help us when we call out to Him. [01:11:13]

- Jesus, the Author of Our Faith: Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. He began our faith journey, leads us to grow in faith, and will bring our faith to completion. We can trust Him to help us overcome fear and live victoriously. [01:24:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:08] - Opening Prayer and Worship
- [18:42] - Announcements and Prayer Cards
- [37:58] - Understanding Perspective
- [42:41] - Faith vs. Fear
- [45:38] - The Battle for Our Mind
- [53:08] - Peter Walking on Water
- [56:30] - Jesus Declares "I Am"
- [59:40] - Peter's Focus Shift
- [01:03:13] - Desire for Faith Like Peter
- [01:05:41] - Faith in the Unseen
- [01:08:30] - Action Steps Against Fear
- [01:11:13] - Shifting Perspective
- [01:14:26] - Taking Steps of Faith
- [01:21:10] - Trusting Jesus in the Storm
- [01:24:22] - Jesus, the Author of Our Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter Walks on Water)
- Hebrews 11:1 (Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen)

Observation Questions:
1. What was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on water, and what did he ask Jesus to do? ([56:30])
2. How did Peter's perspective change when he noticed the wind, and what was the result? ([59:40])
3. What immediate action did Jesus take when Peter cried out for help? ([59:40])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between fear and faith in terms of focus? ([42:41])

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is perspective so crucial in the battle between faith and fear, according to the sermon? ([42:41])
2. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the concept of focusing on Jesus rather than the storm? ([59:40])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of Jesus as the "author and perfecter of our faith"? How does this impact our daily walk with Him? ([01:24:22])
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to take action against fear, and what steps are suggested? ([01:11:13])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where fear overwhelmed your faith. What was your perspective, and how might focusing on Jesus have changed your experience? ([59:40])
2. Identify a specific fear you are currently facing. How can you shift your focus from the problem to the provider, as suggested in the sermon? ([42:41])
3. The sermon encourages naming our fears and questioning our perspectives. What practical steps can you take this week to address a fear in your life? ([01:11:13])
4. Consider the story of Peter walking on water. What is one "step of faith" you feel God is calling you to take, and what is holding you back? ([56:30])
5. How can you cultivate a habit of focusing on the unseen, as described in Hebrews 11:1, in your daily life? What specific practices can help you maintain this focus?
6. The sermon mentions the importance of aligning our thoughts with God's truth. What is one area of your life where you need to change your perspective, and how will you do it? ([01:11:13])
7. Reflect on the statement, "Fear says this is impossible, but faith says with God, all things are possible." How can you apply this truth to a current challenge you are facing? ([42:41])

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Perspective
Our perspective is a powerful tool that shapes our experiences and spiritual journey. It is not the reality of our circumstances that defines us, but how we interpret them. By choosing to focus on God rather than the storm, we can experience peace and victory in our lives. This shift in perspective allows us to see beyond the immediate challenges and recognize the presence and power of God in every situation. When we align our perspective with faith, we open ourselves to the possibilities that God has in store for us, trusting that He is working all things for our good. [37:58]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you need to shift your perspective from focusing on the problem to focusing on God's presence and promises?


Day 2: Choosing Faith Over Fear
The battle between faith and fear is a constant struggle in our spiritual journey. Fear focuses on the problem, magnifying it and causing us to feel overwhelmed and powerless. In contrast, faith focuses on the provider, trusting in God's promises and His ability to deliver us from any situation. We are called to choose faith, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to trust that with God, all things are possible. By doing so, we can overcome the storms of life and experience the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control. [42:41]

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

Reflection: Identify a fear that has been holding you back. How can you actively choose to focus on God's promises instead of this fear today?


Day 3: Lessons from Peter's Walk on Water
The story of Peter walking on water is a powerful illustration of the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus. When Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible. However, when he shifted his focus to the storm, fear took over, and he began to sink. This story teaches us that our perspective determines our experience. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can overcome the storms of life and walk in faith, even when the circumstances seem impossible. [59:40]

"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.'" (Matthew 14:30, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to refocus your attention on Jesus, rather than the challenges you are facing?


Day 4: Taking Action Against Fear
To overcome fear, we must take intentional steps to address it. This involves naming our fears, questioning our perspective, and shifting our focus to God. By taking steps of faith, we can break free from the grip of fear and experience the freedom that comes from trusting in God's power and presence. Jesus is always ready to help us when we call out to Him, and by taking action against fear, we can live victoriously in His strength. [01:11:13]

"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to confront a fear in your life and shift your focus to God's power and presence?


Day 5: Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith
Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. He began our faith journey, leads us to grow in faith, and will bring our faith to completion. We can trust Him to help us overcome fear and live victoriously. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. As we trust in Him, we can experience the fullness of life that He has promised. [01:24:22]

"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively rely on Jesus as the author and perfecter of your faith in a specific area of your life today?

Quotes

We will rejoice and be glad in Him. Are you thankful that God has given you health and breath and strength to be here today? All right, all right. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you God for this day that you have given us the opportunity to gather as your people, around your word, to praise your name, to hear from you today. Father, our desire is an encounter with your presence. [00:13:38] (24 seconds)



Lord Jesus, we come here today recognizing how much we need you. All the stuff of life gets heavy and overwhelming. It's difficult. There's challenges on every side, but you said, take heart, I have overcome. So, Father, we come today to get our cups filled, to be encouraged, to bless your name with our worship and love on you and to receive from you that which you have for each individual today. [00:14:02] (28 seconds)

And there's a whole world around us that is so noisy calling us to focus and see the problems and the storms and the issues and the diagnoses and all of that. But God, we need you today to help us to see and know that there is no God like Jehovah. There is no other name under heaven given among man by which we might be saved. There is salvation in no one else. You are our savior, our healer, our provider, our strength. [00:34:40] (38 seconds)


So, God, whatever each one needs today, I trust that you are going to fill every cup that is set open before you today. Every cup that is turned up will be filled because God desires to fill your cup today. Father, help us to believe. Help us to receive. Father, now I commit myself to you that this body, this mind, these words that I will speak, that they won't be mine, but they will just be an offering in your hand and through me today. [00:35:57] (34 seconds)

It is part of the overall war for our mind, but this is a battle for how we will see. This is a battle for every day. And there is so much at stake. Do you know what's at stake here? I want you to think about it for a minute. If fear wins this battle, what? Well, if fear wins this battle, we become hesitant, right? Even worse, we become paralyzed or completely stuck. [00:45:43] (30 seconds)


When fear wins, we actually begin to make fear-based decisions and then opportunities and possibilities and promises and power. They vaporize. They're stolen from us because fear won the day. So let me ask you, do you think the enemy wants to win the fear battle for your life? Do you think that the enemy wants to get your eyes on the power of the storm and not? [00:46:26] (29 seconds)


the provider not on the great I am you're right he does and there is a lot at stake because when we stand in faith we are empowered to stand we are able to sink and not fall we are able to rise and not fall stand and not sink we are able to stand in a place of peace even in the most difficult of circumstances this is the battle do you see it for our perspective will we see God how will we see a situation will we see the possibilities will we see the provider or will we see the pitfalls and the problems where will we focus this is a battle do you face this battle anyone except me every single one of us in this room face this and you know what we don't just face it every now and then we face it every day all of the time the noise of the world and the enemy it's blowing up chaos all around us we have to learn church we have to learn how to be victorious in the battle [00:46:41] (68 seconds)

So I see Jesus doesn't condemn them. They're on the boat. They catch a glimpse of him. They start freaking out. Oh, no, it's a ghost. What does Jesus do? How quickly does Jesus respond? Immediately. So when you have a situation that does make an initial emotional response of fear, how quickly is Jesus ready to? respond to you. Immediately, come on, somebody. That's good news. It doesn't mean we won't feel it, but he's immediately ready to step in and speak to us, and that's what we see here. He says to the disciples, take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid. [00:55:07] (41 seconds)

I think Peter's the one who actually got it more than any of them in this moment. God, you are inviting us to know who you are and know who I am. Like we're just saying, because I belong to you. So you tell me to walk on water. He said, come. And the scripture tells us Peter gets down in the boat, into the stormy water, and he walked on water and came towards Jesus. Hallelujah. This was an impossible thing. Anybody disagree with that? Was this a normal thing? [00:58:04] (35 seconds)

He switched his focus and it changed his perspective. Now, instead of focusing on God and seeing all things are possible, he began to look at the storm and realize all things in the storm are possible and it's likely that I'm going to drown. Do you see what happened? He changed his focus. He switched his perspective and he began to sink. Guys, the moment fear captures our attention, faith takes the back seat. [01:00:16] (38 seconds)

And I'm going to tell you, shifting perspective, shifting your focus, you can repent and you can do that today. And God will begin a new work and a help and chains can be broken. But this will be work for you because when you leave the joy of the miracle, the enemy is going to try to distract you again. You will need to work to align your words and your mind with God's truth. [01:11:26] (28 seconds)


You're going to need to plow a new track in your brain because our thoughts and the way we think, they're like a lawnmower that cuts a path in the grass, makes it the easiest path to travel. That's what's happened. Now we need to begin to plow a new path, a path that aligns with God's word, fix our mind like Philippians 4 says on what is true and noble and pure and right. Got to change the way you see and to change where you focus. You need to make a shift and it's going to be a daily journey. [01:12:32] (35 seconds)


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Transcript
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