P r a c t i c a l L e s s o n s f o r U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e Wo r d o f G o d
The Pathway of Faith
KEY PASSAGE: Isaiah 41:8-13 | SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Psalm 63:6; 103:19; 119:97-105, 126 | Isaiah 9:7
Matthew 6:31-33 | Luke 12:32 | John 14:16-17 | Acts 1:8 | Romans 8:28 | 2 Corinthians 11:24-25
Philippians 4:19 | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Hebrews 13:5
SUMMARY: Fear affects a person in many
When you and I focus on our different ways. It . . .
circumstances, we can find ■ Causes confusion. A fearful person will
reasons to be fearful. have a difficult time thinking clearly.
We might worry about losing our jobs, or homes, ■ Contributes to indecision. When someone
or retirement savings. It’s natural to feel concerned is afraid of making a mistake, he or she
when the economy is suffering. often delays making any choice at all.
But should a believer allow his or her life to be ■ Hinders us from achieving what God
controlled by fear? No. We may have moments of wants us to accomplish. A fearful person
anxiety, but you and I should trust in our sovereign loses opportunities because he or she
God, not in our circumstances. The truth is, every expects failure.
follower of Jesus Christ can choose to walk in faith
■ Damages self-confidence. Frightened
rather than in fear. Our relationship with the Lord
people can seem insecure and incompetent
gives us the ability to face hardship confident in His
because they doubt their ability to succeed.
provision and care. As God’s children, we can rest
in His promise that our heavenly Father will supply ■ Affects our relationships.
all we need. ■ Can lead to full-blown panic.
■ Sometimes drives people to a lifestyle of
SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES: drug and alcohol abuse.
Fear does not fit who we are as
children of God. God does not want us to walk in fear.
In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord gives a powerful promise Jesus reassured His followers that they didn’t
to His people:“Do not fear, for I am with you; do have to worry about food, drink, and clothing
not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. (Matt. 6:31-33). Although the Bible does talk about
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely the importance of fearing God, that does not mean
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” we are supposed to cower in terror because of His
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul wrote:“God has not given holiness. Instead, it means we are to revere the
us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and Lord and stand in awe of Him. Only those who
discipline.” If fear prevents you from resting at have not accepted the gift of salvation or who are
night or hinders your obedience, you are not walking in deliberate rebellion against Him have a
demonstrating trust in Him. Genuine faith and legitimate reason to fear God.
overwhelming fear are incompatible.
LIFE PRINCIPLES NOTES | LP081116
What is the pathway of faith? ■ Feed on God’s Word. Believers are constantly
bombarded with worldly lies that distort our
■ Focus on the Lord, not the source of your perspective and contribute to our fears. That’s
fears. When you and I dwell on our problems, we why you and I must constantly renew our minds
lose perspective. Instead, we must choose to think with the Word of God (Ps. 119:97-105). We have a
about God’s absolute sovereignty over everything relationship with the Lord that cancels all our fears
(Ps. 103:19). Although life doesn’t always go as we (Is. 41:10) and the promise that the Holy Spirit will
planned or dreamed, nothing happens outside of be our Helper (John 14:16-17). God loves you;
His control. Romans 8:28 says, “God causes all allow the Bible to guide and comfort you in
things to work together for good to those who love times of uncertainty.
God, to those who are called according to His
■ Forge ahead, no matter what people say.
purpose.” If you and I are living godly lives, the
Sometimes, others become envious when they see
Lord is going to turn everything for our ultimate
you prospering as a result of obedience. They may
good. Disappointments may come, but they
try to discourage you from stepping out in faith,
don’t have to make us discouraged. If we live
so be careful to reject ungodly advice. And don’t
in obedience to God, He will bless us with His
allow adversity to dampen your enthusiasm for
perfect plan for our lives.
following God. The apostle Paul faced beatings,
■ Face your moments of doubt and fear by shipwrecks, imprisonment, hunger and thirst,
asking the following questions. sleepless nights, exposure to cold, and many
1) Where are these doubts coming from? Because other hardships (2 Cor. 11:24-25). But despite
God says He did not give us a spirit of fear, we those difficulties, he didn’t stop serving the Lord.
know they can not be coming from Him.
■ Faithfully and courageously choose to obey
2) Has God ever failed me in the past? You may God. When we are committed to following Jesus,
be facing a difficult situation, but remind yourself
you and I have nothing to fear. Obeying the Lord
of those times when the Lord provided for you.
brings blessing, and we have His promise that He
3) Does the Father not promise to meet all will use even adversity for our good.
my needs? Philippians 4:19 says, “My God will
supply all your needs according to His riches in CONCLUSION:
glory in Christ Jesus.” The Bible is full of stories
demonstrating how the Lord provided for His When you and I focus on our circumstances, we
people when they walked in obedience and faith. can find many reasons to feel afraid. But that is not
God’s will for His people. Psalm 103:19 says,“The
4) Did God not give me the Holy Spirit to enable
LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
me to do whatever He requires of me? You and I
and His sovereignty rules over all.” No matter what
can have the power, provision, and guidance of the
happens, our heavenly Father is completely in
Holy Spirit just as the New Testament saints did
control. He can take the most devastating situations
(Acts 1:8).
and turn them into blessings. And as believers, you
5) Did He not promise to be with me at all times? and I have the assurance that God is always with
If you have trusted Jesus as your personal Savior, us. We never need to fear because He strengthens
you can never be alone again. Christ promised to and helps us in every situation.
never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
6) Is anything too hard for God? No. Boldly
express your confidence and trust in the Lord. To purchase the message
7) Is this a fork in the road where my unbelief for these Life Principles Notes
could cost me a lifetime of regret? When you are The Pathway
of Faith
on CD or DVD, please visit
a facing a major decision, be especially careful to 081116
act in faith, rather than fear. www.intouchbookstore.org.
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LIFE PRINCIPLES NOTES | LP081116
