Fear

Turning Fear into Faith

Earlier this year, the pilot of a private twin-engine plane died shortly after takeoff. That's when passenger Doug White took over and managed to successfully land the plane, saving the passengers on board. When asked if he had been afraid, Doug replied, "Yes, but my fear was focused."

For the Christian, fear is a reminder to put our faith in God. What happens to us is often out of our control, but what we focus on when we are afraid is always our choice.

King Jehoshaphat faced a terrifying scenario that embroiled him in a battle with fear. A ...

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Finding Peace in a World of Fear

Some years ago, I was at a major university attending a Broadway-style performance competition. I was sitting in the third row watching one of the groups do their number. In the middle of the song, the tuxedo pants on one of the men suddenly split all the way around and fell apart! To this day I can't believe he didn't leave the stage. But he felt the need to continue, desperately holding his pants together! I'll never forget the pained expression on that poor guy's face as the audience roared in laughter. Many Christians are living ...

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Into the Face of Fear

At various points in your life, you will be the recipient of bad news, and you'll face challenges that seem insurmountable. You'll get a phone call that you'll wish you could have left unanswered. It might involve your work, your family, or your money. And in that moment, you will be tempted to fear. The children of Israel found themselves surprised and overwhelmed by bad news. Twelve spies returned from their scouting trip into the Promised Land, and they laid out the facts to the congregation: "It flows with milk and honey. . . . However, the people who dwell ...

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ViewPoint Q&A: A Year of Terror

Kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in May 2001, Martin and Gracia Burnham spent 376 perilous days of captivity in the Philippine jungle. Facing near starvation, constant exhaustion, frequent gun battles, and coldhearted murder, they endured the ultimate test of faith in the face of fear. On June 7, 2002, in a firefight between their captors and the Philippine military, Martin was killed; Gracia was wounded but freed. Revive speaks with Gracia Burnham about being a hostage, the fears she felt, and her advice to fearful hearts.

In the initial moments when the kidnapping occurred, what fears were running through your ...

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Fear Him!

You know the feeling. You're cruising along on a hot summer day, listening to music, without a care in the world. Suddenly your heart skips a beat and you hit the brakes—a policeman is just ahead, watching you. Did I slow down in time? How fast was I going? Your fear of the law—and the awareness of an authority-results in an immediate change of behavior.

Despite the Bible's constant reminders not to be afraid, there is one fear it encourages time and again. There is one opinion we should care about, one concern that should weigh ...

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Real World:

A salesman grapples with difficult questions in a down economy: “Will my business survive? Is my  job on the line? If things go wrong, how will I provide for my family?” Our panel offers perspective.

The Scenario

A typically confident, optimistic businessman has not had much reason to celebrate lately. His sales for the year are down significantly, and market trends don’t bode well for a turnaround. He’s wondering       . . . well, worrying, actually . . . about his future with the company. Layoffs have already occurred in his division, and rumor has it that more are on the way. Despite his fourteen ...

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Making It Personal: Fear

Download this Making It Personal worksheet to help personalize this topic of fear. Download PDF (200k)  

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