June 12, 2025
It is interesting how different people deal with fear. Some fears are a result of a weather warning on our phone or perhaps a breaking news story in our community.
Our fears can range from humorous to embarrassing. What a sight it is to see an adult panic over the sight of a mouse or insect. Even still, many people pay good money to experience fear. The adrenaline rush of riding a roller coaster or watching a scary movie provides harmless entertainment for many.
And then there is a level of fear that may cause us to examine our faith. Those types of fears come unexpectedly into our lives and can be definitive moments in our spiritual maturation.
Faith and fear will always be at war with one another. For each of us, the battlefield of the mind and heart is a call to draw near to God and obediently trust Him.
More than ever before, Christian churches are being pressured to conform to the world and condone sinful behaviors. This should serve as an excellent reminder for each of us to be the salt and light Christ has both called and equipped us to be.
Rahab courageously hid the Israelite spies, defying the king’s command. The tug of war between the fear that grips us and the faith that guides us is not easily won.
If you find yourself torn between the world and His Word, always go with God. You are guaranteed a victory.
That does not mean it will be easy to face opposition, but it does mean you are not alone. God plus one always equals a majority.
Rahab was surrounded by people consumed with fear. We share that in common with her to this day.
In the last few years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the sensational portrayal of news by the media. Even local stations begin almost every broadcast with the urgency of breaking news, but rarely is the story significant enough to be classified as breaking news. One example in my area that comes to mind is the formation of a new pothole in town. Fear can attract an audience.
Rahab understood the severity of her situation, but she also knew that somehow God would protect her. She shared what she had heard about God and trusted Him to show mercy to her as well.
As a result of Rahab’s courage and faith, her family was rescued. It took a little time between these chapters to see how it worked out, but the waiting is always part of the lesson.
Does your faith ripple? Are there others who have benefited from or been blessed by your faith? Rahab is in the lineage of Jesus, listed among the greatest who demonstrated faith (Heb. 11:31) and is noted as an example of faith in the Book of James.
Your faith may not seem like much to you, but it can be the spark someone else needs to propel them forward in their relationship with Christ.
Where is your focus: the fear around you or the faith within you? Trust Him — He has not lost a battle yet.
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This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources. The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
