Fear vs. Faith
Fear vs. Faith
I’ve done a lot thinking lately. (Dangerous past-time, I know! J ) Why do we get so stressed out? Why do I worry about everything? Worrying is rooted in fear. Why do we fear?
Fear and faith cannot exist together.
Does that mean I need to work on my faith, pray for stronger faith, recognize who’s in control?
After much thought and research, I’ve come to the conclusion that when we fear, we reject God’s plan. His plan for us is perfect. Do we believe that? If we do, why would we fear? Jesus Christ understands all our pain, sorrow, heartache, despair, and yes, even fear.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
Who is the personification of “perfect love?” Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Fear is evident in those not yet made perfect (or not yet like Christ or not yet filled with charity).
So, maybe, since I’m mortal, human, and very imperfect, fear is natural. But…it’s something to strive to rid myself of. Knowledge is power of course, so what do I need to know to rid myself of fear?
There are several key doctrines that can help me become “fear-free!” First, Christ can and will heal us from all infirmities. In the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, the resurrected Christ came to the faithful gathered at the temple in the New World.
“And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you. Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.” (3 Nephi 17:6-7)
He loves us with a perfect love (aka charity). Do we believe He can really do what He says He can do?
Next, He knows EXACTLY how we feel. “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” (Alma 7:11)
During His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, He actually experienced every single pain, sorrow, disease, temptation, EVERYTHING, that every person who has ever lived on the Earth or ever will suffered and experienced. It’s unfathomable to us, since we’re human, but can we believe this? We must if we want to cast out our fear.
Heavenly Father lives and loves us. His plan gave all of His children the opportunity to come to Earth, gain a body, learn/make mistakes, and find the Way back to Him. The WAY He provided is Jesus Christ. He came to Earth, performed the perfect Atonement, and made it possible to repent. Repentance allows us to change-to become more like Them. This is a perfect plan. It works. And since I know it works, faith trumps fear!
Check out the following links for more info.
The Lord Has Not Forgotten You – Sister Linda S. Reeves
How Firm a Foundation –Listen to this beautiful hymn.
Live by Faith and Not by Fear – Elder Quentin L. Cook
