When my children were small and learning to do new things, fear often held them back. Walking. Jumping into the pool. Facing new challenges—these things were hard and scary at times. As a parent, how do we respond when our children are afraid and can’t do something on their own?
In the same way, God often asks His people to take steps of faith, even when fear looms large and the situation seems impossible.
Here are just a few examples from the Bible where God called His people to act despite their fear:
- “So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there.’” – Genesis 46:3
- “Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 1:21
- “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” – 2 Chronicles 28:20
- “And the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.’” – 2 Kings 1:15
- “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’” – Matthew 1:20
- “But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak.” – Matthew 10:19
- “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 13:11
- “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent.’” – Acts 18:9
Over and over, it seems God is saying the same thing: “Do what I tell you, don’t worry about the details. Step forward in faith. I have a plan—just trust me.”
And honestly, that’s a scary concept, isn’t it? We all like to know the plan before jumping into something, especially when fear is involved. It takes a special kind of “no fear” attitude to step out in faith without knowing all the answers. But isn’t that the essence of trusting God? With Him, all things are possible.
Now, let’s return to my earlier question: What do we do as parents when our children are afraid and can’t do something on their own?
We help them.
We take their hand, and we don’t expect them to take that first step alone. We guide them, reassure them, and walk with them through the process.
God isn’t asking us to figure everything out or take the first step by ourselves. He’s there, ready to hold our hand, just like we do for our children. He wants us to trust Him and move forward, even if it’s scary, knowing He is right beside us.
Isn’t that comforting? We don’t have to do it alone. With God, we can step out in faith, knowing He will guide us every step of the way.
