We all have fears. Too often, though, we let those fears rule our lives and stop us from following God’s plan. When you face people and situations that threaten to destroy you and your witness for Christ, the choice is yours: Will you succumb to your fears, or will you stand up for God in spite of those fears?

Fear grows. Every time you give in to it, it becomes more intense. And as fear grows, your life shrinks.

So what’s the alternative? Every time you follow God instead of giving into fear, you win a victory over fear.

The early Christians are a good example of how this works. They faced all kinds of persecution, and the book of Acts shows how God worked through the lives of these believers as they stood up to their fears.

Acts 4 tells the story of Peter and John coming up against fierce opposition when they boldly proclaimed Jesus. So they prayed, “Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness” (Acts 4:29 GNT).

And so the answer to your fear isn’t to give in to it. It’s to move forward boldly in spite of your fear. When you’re afraid, stand up to the fear. Fear doesn’t respond to logic, so your only chance to get rid of the fear is to trust God and face it. 

Never, ever forget this: God won’t part the Jordan River in front of you until you take your first step. (See how God did this for Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:8.). You take a step of faith, and then God shows you the path. But that won’t happen if you stand stuck in your fear.

Take a step in faith today and watch your fear disappear as God opens the path before you.