Finding Strength in God When Your Worst Fears Come True

What to Do When Your Worst Fears Come True: Finding Strength in God

Life can be scary, unpredictable, and often uncertain. We have fears about our health, finances, relationships, and future. We try to plan and prepare for the worst, but what happens when our worst fears actually come true? How do we find strength in God when our world seems to be falling apart?

Trusting God in the Midst of Fear

As Christians, we believe that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). We know that we are not alone and that God is with us in every situation, even the most difficult ones. However, when our fears become a reality, it can be hard to remember these truths and trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.

When we face trials and tribulations, it's natural to feel afraid, anxious, and overwhelmed. The Apostle Paul encourages us to bring our fears and anxieties to God in prayer, saying, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and helps us find peace in the midst of our fears. Instead of trying to handle our fears on our own, we can bring them to God and ask for his guidance, strength, and comfort. When we trust in God's love and sovereignty, we can find the courage to face our fears and overcome them.

Remembering God's Promises

When our worst fears come true, it's easy to doubt God's goodness and question his plan for our lives. However, the Bible is full of promises that remind us of God's love and faithfulness. Here are a few verses to keep in mind:

• "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2).


• "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8).


• "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

When we cling to these promises, we can find hope and strength in God's presence and love. We can trust that he is with us, even in the darkest moments, and that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Learning from Our Fears

While fear can be overwhelming and paralyzing, it can also be a powerful teacher. When we face our fears and overcome them, we grow stronger and more resilient. We learn to rely on God's strength and wisdom, rather than our own. We develop compassion and empathy for others who are facing similar struggles.

When we look back on our lives, we often see that our greatest growth and transformation came through the trials and challenges we faced. In the book of James, we are reminded to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3).

Our fears can be a catalyst for growth and transformation if we allow them to be. They can deepen our faith and trust in God, and they can help us become the people God created us to be.

Conclusion

When our worst fears come true, it can be easy to feel hopeless and alone. However, as Christians, we have a source of hope and strength that is greater than our fears. We can turn to God in prayer, cling to his promises, and learn from our fears as we grow and transform.

As Psalm 27:1 reminds us, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" When we trust in God's love and faithfulness, we can face our fears with courage and hope.