"Overcoming Doubt and Fear"

Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
0 ratings
· 5 views
Notes
Transcript

Overcoming Doubt and Fear

Welcome: UCC Family and Friends - Impacting Lives On Purpose for Purpose.
Opening: Today we are going to close out series - “ Forward in Faith- Stepping Into Gods Promises”
Illustration: Imagine a hiker standing at the edge of a dense forest. The path ahead is narrow, winding, and barely visible through the thick canopy of trees. Behind him is an open field, familiar and safe, where he can clearly see every step he’s taken. He knows the comfort of the past, but the forest ahead holds the promise of something greater—a destination he’s been called to reach. Yet, to get there, he must leave the safety of what he knows and trust that the path will lead him forward, step by step.
It has been God’s agenda this month to encourage us to step out with Him. Much like the this hiker, we often find ourselves standing at a crossroads in our spiritual journey. God calls us to move forward in faith, leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown. Like the hiker, we might not see the entire path, but God promises to guide us if we trust Him.
Today we are going to talk about a subject familiar to all of us. It is very important and a enemy to our success. Many have not taken a step because of it and some have quit prematurely. We all will need to confront it, and learn how to navigate it when it comes around.
Todays Talk Topic: Over Coming Doubt & Fear
In our faith journey doubt and fear is a common struggle we face as believers. They are a part of the human experience but can be overcome through faith in God. Doubt and fear are not signs of weakness but opportunities for spiritual growth. When we understand how to confront these feelings with Scripture and prayer, we can cultivate a deeper trust in God’s promises for our lives, Amen!
Definition of Doubt and Fear
Doubt is a state of uncertainty or a lack of conviction. It often questions the truth, reliability, or possibility of something. Spiritually, doubt can manifest as uncertainty about God’s promises, His timing, or His ability to intervene in our lives.
Doubt Illustration: Imagine a person standing at the edge of a frozen lake. Others have already crossed, proving the ice can hold, but as they prepare to step out, they hesitate. They look at the ice, questioning its strength and their ability to make it across. Even though the evidence of others’ safe passage is clear, their doubt keeps them frozen in place, delaying their journey forward.
This is how doubt works in our lives. Even when God has proven Himself faithful time and again, we sometimes hesitate to trust Him, questioning if He will do the same for us in this situation.
Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat, danger, or harm—real or imagined. Fear can paralyze us, keeping us from stepping into what God has called us to do, often rooted in a lack of trust in God’s protection and provision.
Fear Illustration: Picture a child learning to swim. They stand at the edge of the pool, arms wrapped around themselves, trembling as the instructor encourages them to jump. The water isn’t deep, and the instructor is ready to catch them, but fear grips them. They imagine sinking, struggling, or being hurt, and that fear keeps them from taking the leap—even though the reality is that they are safe.
This is what fear does. It magnifies the risks and blinds us to the safety and support that God, like the instructor, provides to catch us when we step out in faith.
Trans: Throughout Scripture, Jesus exemplifies perfect faith and courage, demonstrating how to confront fear in obedience to God’s will, ultimately revealing that our security rests in Him alone.
True courage emerges when we place our trust in God, enabling us to face our doubts and fears with confidence and faith.
Text: Mt 14:28–31 (NASB) 28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

1. Courage to Call

Matthew 14:28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
In our this journey saints, we going to have to mustard up some courage. Courage to achieve all that we are believing God for.
Peter had faith in Power of Jesus.
His request demonstrated that He had faith in Jesus' divine authority.
Peter acknowledges that Jesus has control over nature and the ability to empower him to do the impossible.
This demonstrates trust in Jesus' identity as Lord.
Desire to Be Close to Jesus:
Peter's request reflects a deep desire to be near Jesus, even in extraordinary circumstances.
Peter's step out of his comfort zone to follow Jesus,
Despite the dangers and uncertainties of walking on the water.
That initial step can be a tuff one but if you are courageous enough to take it, you will walk on, through, and over things you have yet to imagine.
Trans: Peter also demonstrated - Confidence to Come.
2. Confidence to Come
Matthew 14:29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
Peter's willingness to step out of the boat shows his confidence in Jesus' authority and word. When Jesus said, "Come," Peter trusted that Jesus' command was enough to enable him to do the extraordinary—walking on water. His actions demonstrate faith-driven courage.
What “word” has God giving you and you have confidence in it. It may not be “Come” it maybe; Go / Stand / Lead / Take / Silence / Sit / etc.
Confidence in Taking Action: Peter's decision to leave the safety of the boat reflects boldness and a readiness to act on his faith. He didn't hesitate to obey Jesus' call, showing confidence not only in Jesus but also in his ability to respond to the Lord's invitation.
There are times we will tell ourselves that everything is alright. Why because we like to stay on the boat. It safe in the house and on the porch. We don’t want to leave our comfort zone, even when its for a positive benefits.
The winds and waves were blowing but Peter was could only see Jesus.
When you focused on God and His word. You can easily forget the things happening around you.

3. Crisis in Confidence

Matthew 14:30-31 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Here are two things to keep in mind when you are walking in the promises of God in confidence.
1.Keep Your Focus on Jesus:
Peter's initial confidence falters when he shifts his focus from Jesus to the surrounding circumstances—the strong wind and the waves.
Fear and doubt can creep in when we allow external challenges to distract us from trusting in God's power.
Our faith is fragile when it's not firmly anchored in Christ.
2.Fear Undermines Faith: Peter's fear of the wind leads to his sinking, symbolizing how doubt can overwhelm us when we face difficulties and we feel weighted down - sinking.
Example: An example of how fear undermines faith can be seen in the story of the Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land (Numbers 13–14):
Moses sent 12 spies to scout the land of Canaan, they returned with reports of its abundance.
Ten of the spies focused on the challenges. They said, "We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them" (Numbers 13:33). Their fear of the Canaanites led them to doubt God's promise to give them the land.
This fear spread among the Israelites, causing them to rebel, question God's plan, and wish to return to Egypt, even though God had miraculously delivered them from slavery.
Their fear undermined their faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises, leading to disobedience and a 40-year delay in entering the Promised Land.
Fear can overshadow trust in God's power and faithfulness, preventing people from stepping into His promises.
The hope we have and power we can rely on is this: When you cry out for help Like Peter said, "Lord, save me!" God got you!
When you cry it, it illustrates that even in moments of unstable confidence, turning back to Jesus is the solution. This shows that faith may falter, but Jesus is always ready to rescue and restore.
Closing: Fear and Doubt - its real but it can’t stop your potential. Known or unknown you keep your eye on Jesus as you walk it out. You might get distracted and feel like you sinking- Holla out and watch your faith, trust, and love bring you back on top.
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more
Earn an accredited degree from Redemption Seminary with Logos.