The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IT is impossible for faith and fear to exist in the life of a Christian.

Where there is fear, there is no faith and where there is no faith, it is impossible for God to work in the lives of those who follow him. Faith is the belief in things not seen, while fear is the belief that what God said in his word would not come to pass.

For this reason, Christians are encouraged to keep the faith so that the word of God can manifest itself in any situation.

Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare: but whosoever puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

Pastor Matthew Allen told Tribune Religion the fear mentioned in this scripture will torment the believer unless they find solace in the spoken and written word of God.

‘What happens a lot of the times is that Christians are faced with a difficult situation, and they worry about the outcome. Some Christians look at things in the natural world and instead of living by the things they cannot see. But that is not the way a Christian should operate. The name of the lord is a strong tower and when you, a Christian, has faith in him, he can work,” he said.

Pastor Allen also said fear may not come in the form of terror, but there are some Christians who fear not being accepted by others.

“When you fear not being accepted by people you will bend over backwards to do what they want you to do or to please them. You know in your heart what you are doing is wrong but you do it to be accepted and that is a compromise. Your boss on someone may tell you do something and you do it because you fear losing your job, even though it is not right,” he said.

Faith does not automatically come to those who have made the decision to accept Christ as their Lord. A believer’s faith only increases when they consistently hear and read the word of God.

“Everything about Christianity is based on the belief of the things that cannot be seen. It is the duty of every Christian to operate in faith. Fear comes as a result of disbelief in what the word of God says. But you have to constantly renew your mind. And you must know what the bible says. How would you be able to fight your disbelief, insecurities, and increase your faith if you do not know what the word of God has to say?’ Daniel a Anglican faithful said.

Fear also opens the door for the enemy to operate in the life of the believer. Therefore it is important when fear comes to consult and recite the word, so faith can come alive” Patricia Anderson, advent church goer said.

“Fear in any amount should not be tolerated. It is this emotion, when tolerated that gives the devil access into the life of believers. Faith comes by hearing and by hearing the word of God.”