Now fear is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
When I am afraid of something (spiders, snakes, the dark, flying, public speaking), I just know that I’ll get hurt or humiliated. Nothing has happened yet, but I’m absolutely convinced that something can and will. This is faith, but faith in something’s ability to harm me. We call it “fear”.
When Jesus walked on the water, he told Peter, “Don’t be afraid!” (Matthew 14:22-32).
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
We base our fear on personal experiences and stories we’ve heard. And yet there, too, is where our faith is rooted: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8).