In order to allow faith to overwhelm our fears, we must entrust our worries and anxieties to God, for He is faithful and able. Here are some practical ways to do that.

First, we must learn how to pray fear out and faith in. Instead of burying your worries, acknowledge them before God in prayer. Bring them to the foot of the cross—and then leave them there. Our prayers for fear-conquering faith are prayers that God not only longs to hear but loves to answer.

Once you have confessed your fears out, begin to pray faith in. Look to God’s Word and incorporate His promises into your prayers. Draw strength from God’s promises as Abraham did: “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:20-21). This is our first step in building those faith muscles.

Second, call upon God’s power in your life.  In Jesus’ earthly ministry, He demonstrated God’s power to redeem us from our sins, to heal diseases, and to still the storms in our lives. God wants to show us that same power today.

Sometimes God waits until we run out of all human solutions before He manifests His power for us. That’s because He wants us to learn that His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Other times, God is simply waiting for us to take the first step of faith before He responds to our request.

There are people who don't have any cause for fear, and yet they are fearful. Then there are people who have every reason to fear, but they are not afraid. The difference between the two is a complete trust in the Lord Jesus. Just as saving faith enables us to receive Christ as our Savior, so daily faith enables us to know Christ as our Lord.

Do you find yourself living out of your own finite strength, or God’s infinite power? Pray your fears out and pray faith in. Begin to see God as the one who is greater than any problem you face, and you will find confidence and courage. The power of God that sustains the universe—every atom, every galaxy, and every star in its orbit—that’s the very power that Jesus offers His children today.

Prayer: God, I bring my fears to the foot of the cross today and exchange them for Your promises. Where I feel powerless, I ask for Your power to overcome my situation. Show me which step of faith You want me to take today, and help me to take the opportunity immediately when it comes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!