I suppose all Christians experience fear at some time or another. Even the strongest believer has fear – even when ‘called’ by God to some great work. The promises of God do not eliminate fear from our hearts.

When Moses was called to go and deliver the Israelites he tried hard to avoid the call. He gave as many excuses as he could, so much so that “the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses” (Ex 4:14).

It is said that in the Bible there are 366 commands to ‘fear not’. One for every day of the year – even a leap year! And most of these occasions was after a promise and a call from God!

Gideon is another good example. He wrestled with God after being called to deliver Israel from the Midianites. In fact Gideon needed four ‘signs’ before he felt strong enough to obey (Jud 6:17, 6:37, 6:39, 7:10).

Despite all the promises God gave David that he would be king of Israel, there were times when he still feared Saul and ran away from him. Jeremiah and Ezekiel were both called by God but both feared and trembled.

In the New Testament it is no different. Paul was afraid in Corinth so much so that God visited him with the words “Do not be afraid … for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9). In the case of Peter walking on the water, Peter wanted confirmation that it was Jesus who was calling him “Lord if it is You, command me to come to you on the water” (Mat 14:28). Peter received assurance for Jesus said “Come”. But Peter could not continue to walk on the water, because he began to fear.

Our ability to serve God and obey His call, depends so much on our faith. The fear we have is because we think everything depends on us. Our fear is because we are not seeing God’s power and strength and are focusing on our own capabilities. No wonder we sink.

John Ortberg tells of an occasion when he came across a street fight outside a bar. Three rough looking guys were beating up a youngster. It was so awful he felt he had to do something. He was filled with fear as he moved towards the three toughs. They moved towards him! But all of a sudden they reversed. It surprised Ortberg, until he turned round and saw one of the biggest and brawniest men he ever saw in his life coming out of the bar and moving towards the men. He was the bouncer! Ortberg felt strengthened and gave chase to the men. He realised that he gained confidence and strength because he knew the strength of person who was ‘behind’ him.

Ortberg tells us that if he just believed that God and all His supernatural strength was behind him 24 hours every day, what a difference that would make to his faith. At the end of the day, it all comes down to our faith – or rather, where our faith is placed.

Fear prevents many a Christian from doing what he could – and what God calls him to do. Fear is the result of looking to ourselves instead of God.

Psychologists tell us that people with a strong sense of their own abilities are much more resilient in risky situations and are able to cope much more easily. Instead of being filled with fear, they have a confidence that often carries them through. If that is true, how much more ought Christians who have all the strength of the Godhead behind them, be able to obey the command of God to go into all the world with the gospel?

Paul could say, under Divine inspiration “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). Where is our confidence and hope placed? Where are we looking for strength? Our mind-set determines our confidence, hope and strength.

If our mind is stayed and focused on the Lord, then we can do everything He asks of us. But if our mind-set is on our own abilities and strength, then we will not even attempt great things for God. All the people in Scripture and in history, who did great things, had their minds set on God. Paul calls the Philippians to think on the things that are good and beautiful, and the Colossians to set their affections on things above where Christ is, so that they would be strengthened.

We emphasise again, it is in the things that God calls us to do that we must not be afraid of, and take courage and go in His strength. To have positive Biblical thinking like this is not to say that we do foolish things. We never have a warrant to do what is sinful or unwise – or what is nothing but our own fleshly desires. As every Christian is called by God to serve Him to the best of his abilities, we must use all the talents and opportunities God puts in our path.

Fear, more than anything else, prevents God’s people from doing the things God wants them to do. Satan makes them afraid and they begin to think of all the excuses. Our image of God, is far too often, very small, instead of very big. Our God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. If we think of Him as small and powerless, then we will be filled with foreboding and uncertainty. But if we realise He has a plan to redeem the nations, through His people’s witness, then we will have confidence.

We are not called to work for God, we are called to work with God. He will be with us in all that we do for Him – even to the end of the world. The promise Jesus gave to His disciples “lo I am with you always” is dependent on their going “into all the world” and preaching the gospel (Mat 28:19).