Life can be scary and full of stressful things, whether natural like hurricanes and tornadoes and viruses, or manmade like terrorist activities and wars. But the God who created the world HAS NOT ABANDONED US!
I’ve always been fascinated by the many times in Scripture where something awful is happening and then, my 2 favorite words:
But God
(But The Lord)
But Jesus
Then the whole story changes. There is rescue. There is hope. A miracle. We can choose Faith over Fear, and let go of so many stresses.
What does that mean, though? Well, let’s look at a few of my favorite scriptures, and see if we can get a good picture:
Genesis 8:1 NIV — But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.
Genesis 41:16 NIV — “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
and- Genesis 50:20 NIV — You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
1 Samuel 23:14 NIV — David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.
Acts 3:15 NIV — You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
Acts 26:22 NIV — But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
From that, I see But God meaning that we serve an active, caring, and faithful God who loves us with an everlasting love!
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Choose Faith Over Fear Meaning
You hear it said, fairly often, that as Christians, we are supposed to choose faith over fear. And it’s true, we are. But it isn’t easy, especially when you don’t know what choosing faith over fear actually means.
My understanding of the meaning of choosing faith over fear is that we put feet to our trust in God’s ability and desire to care for us, despite, or boldly in the face of the unthinkable situations we can clearly see right in front of us.
When the world seems completely out of control, choose faith over fear, because God is always in control. Yes, he allows things to happen, but he does filter them through his hands.
When you or your loved one gets a terrible diagnosis, choose faith over fear, and watch God work. He will deliver you. As Beth Moore said, It may be through the fire, (mercies in the middle, and healing at the end) or it may be by the fire (to heaven) or from the fire (where the doctors go to perform one last test before treatment, and a miracle has occurred. The problem is completely gone. Whichever way he chooses to deliver you, he will be with you, and his power is undeniable!
Betrayals, financial hardships, you name it. It’s all hard, but God is good. We can choose faith over fear of the unknown or uncomfortable, or undesirable, because He is with us, he loves us, and he desires good for us.
But God: 3 Choose Faith over Fear Devotionals
I have had the privilege of reading three faith over fear devotional books recently, that have greatly encouraged me. They remind me of just how great our God is, and how much he loves us. Each one has a reminder to let go of fear, to choose Faith, and rest in The Lord.
But God… Where the Story Changes
Rachel of Oh Lord Help Us wrote a study recently, and generously shared a copy with her launch team, of which I got to be a part.
But God… Where the Story Changes: Replacing Lies with God’s Truth, is a 6 week study that’s great for small groups or individuals.
Rachel gets right to the heart of why “but God” means so much, and is an excellent example of why we should choose faith over fear, and rejoice!
- Afraid, but GOD… has loved you.
- Running, but GOD… has pursued you.
- Broken, but GOD… has redeemed you.
- Messy, but GOD… thinks you are beautiful.
- Striving, but GOD… says you are enough.
I ran right into myself in each lesson. Fear? ✔️ Running? ✔️ Broken, Messy, Striving? ✔️ ✔️
In every case, choosing faith over fear, trusting God and taking him at His word means PEACE! Stop stressing and REJOICE! For every crisis of “self”, there’s a “But The Lord” waiting for you. Ready to change the story.
It was painful to go through but so helpful! This is another book I plan to re-read annually. I need the reminder that no matter what the situation I can’t handle, the giant may be big, but our God is more than able, and he loves me!
There’s even t-shirts jewelry, and mugs to help you remember the truth of “but God!”
So Let’s Choose Faith Over Fear today!
Abounding Faith: Practical and Powerful
30 BIBLE HEROES WHO WILL INSPIRE YOU TO BELIEVE GOD FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE! *Review copy
This devotional by Nancy Gavilanes (Abounding Faith blog) covers a lot of ground in 30 short lessons. Each devotional starts with a verse or 2, and then Nancy is very matter-of-fact in her recaps. There’s a brief but challenging reflection/application then it closes with a prayer prompt.
From the Desperate faith of a woman who has nothing to lose (Mark 5:27-28), to the Centurion’s Radical faith to the Unwavering faith of Shadrach Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18), the practical inspiration is great!
Each of these Bible heroes come to the point of crisis, but as usual, God is there already, with a plan and a purpose. My favorite things about this faith over fear devotional are:
- Nancy’s choices for heroes. It’s not just David and Daniel and Peter. She includes Sarah, the paralytic’s friends, Bartimaeus, Jarius….
- She presents the truth and application succinctly, and then asks “what are YOU going to do now?”
- The reading is short, which is great for me as a mom of little boys, but there is much to think about throughout the day.
Faith over Fear: Finding Peace in the Storms of Life
This one’s pretty special. Created by an overcomer of a quad-amputee, this faith-over-fear binder is powerful. She tackles fear in 3 specific ways. Growing your faith (and prayer life), growing your gratitude muscles, and focusing on acts of kindness.
By doing this, your focus shifts to faith over fear, and takes note of the good things more. These things take up more mental real estate, so there is less room for fear, since perfect love casts out fear.
UNDIVIDED: A Choosing Faith Over Fear Bible Study
“Undivided loyalty is the job description, and God wanted a new man for the job.”
Stephanie Smith of Read Cook Devour shared a copy of her devotional Undivided: A Study in 1 Samuel with me recently.
Wow! This in-depth study of First Samuel reminds me of some of the “big name” Bible studies that I have done through the years.
While it says it’s a 14 day study, my suggestion {if you are a mom of littles} is to read the assigned scripture on day one, and the lesson the next day. Maybe read the passage once, and listen through the Blue Letter Bible app once or twice while cooking or driving, and think about what you read.
Then you will be prepared to read and answer Stephanie’s excellent questions! “Samuel’s undivided heart becomes God’s vessel and the Lord speaks through him and is silent no more.”
It is far too easy to have divided loyalty. Your spouse, your kids, your job or hobby, many times get more regard or attention than God. Whether it’s good things or not, it’s easy to focus on them. They are very visible and right here… But remember, God calls us to so much more!
A Few of the Thought-Provoking Gems in this Study:
Outward VS inward loyalty: is your loyalty real, or for show?
Dagon was a fish God! Losing his head and hands left just a fish. I always wondered where the legs went. Now I know, there weren’t any! (1 Samuel 5:1-5)
David was able to give freewill/gratitude offerings in the midst of being hunted by Saul, who wanted to kill him!
Do you think we could do the same thing ourselves, offering a sacrifice of praise and Thanksgiving during our hard times?
Let’s Choose Faith Over Fear today, and walk in that freedom!!
Related Reading
- A Powerful Hagar Bible Study
- 5 Authors Who Inspire Hope
- 8 Books to Beat Fear in Christian Stewardship
- Children’s Christmas Books that Inspire Faith
- Faith-Building Shows for Preschool and Elementary
- Leaving a Legacy of Faith as a Christian Mom
- Fear God, Not Man (a Historical Fiction Trilogy)
- The Best Devotionals for Women Who Love Christian Fiction
- Growing Kids Faith (with Fantastic Stories)
Free 30 Day Choose Faith Over Fear Bible Reading Plan
My friend Sarah over at The Holy Mess Blog just created a new 30 Day Bible reading plan to help us choose Faith over Fear. And it’s free! I downloaded mine and am excited to get started!
Are You Ready to Choose Faith Over Fear?
No catastrophe, man-made or natural, has the power to conquer us if we deliberately choose faith over fear!!
Can we keep this in mind and stop running in fear?
Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!
11 Comments on “Best Devos to Help You Choose Faith Over Fear”
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review Aryn! These all sound like excellent studies!
I’m preparing to lead the women in my church through 1 Samuel, and in my further study and reflection there is so much more I’m learning. I can’t wait to take the time to revise the study and make it even better! I am hoping to extend it to a 30 day study, with each day being a little more bite sized. 🙂
Ooh, Cool! That sounds great! You packed a lot of awesome information into what you already have, and now I’m excited to see the expanded version 🙂
Those are two great and encouraging words in the Bible. But God. It signifies that God is greater than our circumstances, which we might feel is impossible. It totally upsets the natural order of things as we’d expect, as God comes right in and works in our situations.
Amen! We do face some impressive circumstances, But our God is Greater!
Thank you for these biblical examples of faithfulness, Aryn. I like your meme and the fact that you are a reader. Obviously you aspire to a Christ-like life, reflected in these posts. ?
Thank you for those kind words! I give my little bit, but God is Faithful!
All sound like good devotionals, the first one especially grabbed me. But God…such power in those two words. I’ve been following the healing journey of an Oklahoma boy. His family tagged his journey #butGod. It’s been interesting to watch and pray alongside. In case you’re interested, Caleb’s journey can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/prayforcalebfreeman/
I also love the words “But God”…in an instant God can change anything or everything! Thanks for the reviews of these three devotionals. The last one, in particular, sounds great!
You are most welcome. I was stretched by each one. and blessed.
I love the words “But God….” I have been through so many situations where when I tell someone the story it has “but God” in there. He is always faithful!!
Amen! They are sweet words! Who but God would know us completely and still love us so extravagantly!