Faith Over Fear

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." — Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)

The 2000 film Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts, tells the true story of a woman who, despite lacking formal legal training, uncovered a massive environmental scandal. She faced intimidation, doubt, and opposition, yet she pressed forward, refusing to let fear dictate her course of action. Her determination led to justice for hundreds of families affected by corporate negligence.

Like Brockovich, we often face moments where fear of rejection, criticism, or consequences may deter us from doing what is right. Proverbs 29:25 warns us that fearing people can trap us, but trusting in God leads to security and freedom.

This truth is echoed throughout scripture, particularly in the words of David, who faced real danger after being captured by his enemy, the Philistines. Yet in the midst of fear, he chose to trust God rather than be paralyzed by uncertainty. In Psalm 56:3-4, he proclaims: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"

Jesus reinforces this truth in Matthew 10:28, reminding His disciples that human threats are temporary, but God’s care is eternal: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Rather than fearing human opposition, Jesus calls us to have reverence for God, whose authority is eternal and unchanging. This isn’t a call to anxiety but to courage—it shifts our focus to the security we have in Him. When we trust Him fully, fear loses its grip, and we are free to live boldly in faith.

These verses challenge us to examine where we place our trust. Do we let fear of others dictate our choices, or do we stand firm in faith, knowing that God is our ultimate protector? With this understanding, we must ask: How does this shape our response to fear in our daily lives?

Fear can manifest in many ways—hesitation to speak the truth, reluctance to stand for justice, or avoidance of difficult conversations. Yet, faith is stronger. When we trust God, we find the courage to act, stepping beyond fear into the freedom He promises.

Consider moments when fear has held you back. What would it look like to trust God instead? Perhaps it means speaking up for someone in need, boldly sharing your faith, or choosing what aligns with God's will rather than societal expectations. Erin Brockovich’s story reminds us that courage leads to change, and scripture assures us that trusting God leads to security. As we shift our focus from fearing people to trusting Him, we experience the fullness of His protection and guidance.

Lord, we confess that fear often holds us back from doing what is right. Help us to trust in You rather than the opinions of others. Strengthen our faith so that we may walk boldly in Your truth, knowing that You are our refuge and protector. May we live in the confidence that Your plans for us are good, and that in You, we are truly safe. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim