Fear and Faith are two sides of the same coin. One says confidently that the worst will happen and the other says, just as confidently, that the best will happen. The truth is that neither have actually happened. They are both just a response to what you expect.

[2 Corinthians 10:5]

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 

[Romans 12:2]

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

If I could change the way I think, it would change the way I live!

1. WORRY CAN’T FIX IT – it’s not even helpful!

[Luke 12:22-28]

“22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 

• Jackie Hill Perry, “If God is holy, then he can’t sin. If God can’t sin, then he can’t sin against you. If God can’t sin against you, shouldn’t he be the most trustworthy Being there is?!”

25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? 27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

• Matt Smethurst, “The inability to do everything people expect of you isn’t a flaw in your character; it’s a feature of your design. You are not God.”

[Mark 4:37-40]

“37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?””

• Peace doesn’t come from the absence of the storm but from the presence of the Savior

[Psalm 118:5-6]

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

2. FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE WHO CAN

• Corrie Ten Boom, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

[PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7]

“6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

“If it’s big enough to worry about, it’s big enough to pray about.” – Craig Groeschel

[Philippians 4:9]

“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

“When you’re tempted to worry or panic, choose to trust God. Why? Because God is our protector, our provider, our king, and our peace. He is our all-knowing, all powerful, ever present, faithful, and trustworthy father. No matter what battle we endure, we know that in all things he will bring about good to those who love them. As the old quote goes, ‘We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.’” – Craig Groeschel