When Fear Collides with Faith

“Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.” (Joshua 6:1)

The city of Jericho had double walls surrounding it. The outer wall was six feet thick; the inner wall was twelve. Space in-between the walls was at least twelve feet, and both were thirty feet high. Yet, the inhabitants of Jericho were afraid. Why? The kings of the Amorites and the Canaanites heard how the Israelite’s God dried a passageway through the sea and the river when they came out of the wilderness: “their hearts melted, and no spirit was left in them” (5:1). They were terrified of the Israelites’ God and His people!

Fear is a terrible monster. It can debilitate, paralyze, and hold people captive—if allowed. Yes, fear must be allowed entrance into our lives. Why would anyone do this? Even though issues faced daily vary, a lack of faith is at the top of the list. But there is also a healthy fear, a holy fear. In God’s Word, the writers, under the Holy Spirit’s leading, tell us to fear God (e.g., Proverbs 1:7; 1 Peter 2:17). We are to hold Him in awe, respect, and fear the consequences of living disobediently.

Faith, on the other hand, is believing and trusting without seeing proof. Faith in God can move mountains in our lives (Matthew 21:21). Our faith in God proclaims we are confident He is who He is and will do what He says. Does fear have a foothold in your life? Arise, child of God. He is on your side; victory is yours through Jesus Christ.

The Israelites defeated Jericho because they followed God’s instructions and trusted Him for victory. When fear collides with faith, faith is the victor. Who can win this battle against the world? Only those that believe Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4–5).