When Fear Knocks, Let Faith Answer
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
When Fear Knocks, Let Faith Answer
Fear is something we all face. Throughout Scripture, we see it in the hesitant voice of Moses before Pharaoh, in the uncertainty Joshua must have felt stepping into Moses’ shoes, and in Elijah fleeing into the wilderness, overwhelmed and afraid.
Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection, loss, and disappointment. And yet, over and over again in Scripture, we hear the same command: “Do not fear.” “Do not be afraid.” “I am with you.”
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Faith is choosing to trust God in the face of fear.
What Does Fear Look Like in Life?
Fear doesn’t always show up as panic or dread. Most of the time, it’s subtle. It hides behind habits, patterns, and excuses we’ve come to normalize.
But if you look closely, you’ll see it. Because fear, unchecked, shapes the way we live and holds us back from the life God is calling us into.
Sometimes, it hides behind hesitation, procrastination, and even busyness. It can look very different from person to person, but underneath it all, fear tries to keep us stuck... afraid to move, afraid to trust, afraid to surrender to God.
What fear can look like:
Hesitation. When you're unsure whether to take the next step because you're afraid of what might go wrong. "What if I fail?" You feel the nudge to step forward… but you wait. You know God is calling you higher, deeper, further but you delay, afraid to fail.
Silence. You know you’re supposed to speak truth… but you stay quiet. You know you're called to stand out… but you shrink back. Because it’s safer to blend in than to be misunderstood.
Busyness. Filling every hour of every day so you don’t have to sit with what’s really going on in your heart. So you don’t have to wrestle with the fear that you’re not doing enough or being valuable enough.
Comparison. Measuring your pace, your purpose, or your progress against others... forgetting that God writes unique stories, and yours doesn’t need to look like anyone else's.
Control. Because the thought of surrendering it all to God feels… risky.
Avoidance. Avoiding the call. Avoiding the conversation. Avoiding the conviction. Because deep down, you know obedience will stretch you and fear makes staying comfortable feel safer than becoming courageous.
Fear of the unknown. You want clarity before obedience. Certainty before surrender. But God rarely gives the full picture. He gives His presence.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
But here’s the truth:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
Fear may knock and may visit but it doesn’t get to stay!
Because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).
When we surrender to Christ, fear loses its grip!
When we walk in truth, fear is replaced with peace.
And when we trust the One who holds the unknown, we are finally free to move forward boldly, faithfully, and fearlessly.
When your life is anchored in Christ, fear is confronted by His truth.
What Fear Looks Like in Professional Life
For the business leader, entrepreneur, or professional, fear can look like:
Fear of making the wrong decision
Fear of being misjudged for your convictions
Fear of being misunderstood for living out your faith
Fear of standing firm in a culture that rewards compromise
But we're called to lead in faith. Don’t let fear decide what you say, where you go, or who you become. Let faith lead.
Sometimes it is the second-guessing of your ideas, your voice, your decisions. Other times, it’s a heavy pressure behind the polished front.
The weight of expectations, the anxiety of deadlines but remember:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1
The fear of failure loses its power when we stop measuring our lives by outcomes and start measuring them by obedience.
The ones who show up with integrity.
The ones who steward their position whether seen or unseen.
The ones who trust that their work matters, even when it’s not rewarded immediately.
The Biblical Response to Professional Fear
Anchor your identity in Christ not your title or achievements.
Seek wisdom but don’t let indecision become disobedience.
Trust the Provider not just the paycheck.
Speak with boldness even when your voice shakes.
Work with excellence but let go of perfectionism.
Remember the calling is God’s not just a career move.
Let faith guide your decisions.
Let God define your success.
And let obedience become the measure of your legacy.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Confronting Fear with Faith in God: Biblical Examples to Remember
From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s people face real, terrifying situations but time and again, those who trusted Him found that faith didn’t remove fear, it overcame it.
Here are biblical examples of people who confronted fear by anchoring themselves in God’s presence, promises, and power:
1. Moses. Leading Despite Insecurity (Exodus 3–4)
When God called him to deliver Israel, Moses responded with excuses: “Who am I that I should go?” (Exodus 3:11). He feared inadequacy, rejection, and failure. When God reassured him, Moses still pleaded for someone else to be sent and God appointed Aaron to be his spokesman (Exodus 4:14–16).
But even then, God’s words to Moses remained clear:
“I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12 “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12
Fear said, “You’re not enough.” Faith said, “God will be with me.”
Moses' journey reminds us, that God often calls us beyond our comfort zones to teach us dependence, not self-confidence.
2. Joshua. Stepping into Big Shoes (Joshua 1)
Joshua had walked with Moses, but now Moses was gone, and the leadership of an entire nation was handed to him. A massive responsibility, a daunting unknown, and a land full of enemies.
Fear would have been natural. But God’s repeated charge was not “Be strategic” it was “Be strong and courageous.”
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Joshua’s strength was found in the assurance of God’s presence.
God was calling him to follow Him fully.
3. Esther. Risking Her Life for Her People (Esther 4–5)
Esther faced the terrifying reality that approaching the king without being summoned could mean death. The stakes were high. Her people’s survival depended on her courage. Yet Mordecai’s words stirred something deeper than fear:
“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
Esther’s response was faith-rooted obedience:
“If I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16
She called her people to fast with her for three days. She sought the Lord. She prepared in humility and prayer. She confronted fear with purpose and dependence on God. And He moved through her surrender.
4. Elijah. Trusting God in the Wilderness (1 Kings 19)
After a powerful spiritual victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah was overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion. When Jezebel threatened his life, he fled into the wilderness not only out of fear, but also from deep emotional and spiritual weariness.
He even asked God to take his life. But God met Elijah in the cave with restoration.
“What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9
God ministered to his body, then spoke to his soul.
Elijah’s story reminds us that even prophets grow tired and when fear overwhelms us, God doesn’t condemn us. He meets us with rest, speaks truth to our weariness, and reaffirms our calling. He strengthens us to continue in His purpose.
5. Jesus. Overcoming in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39–46)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the weight of the cross pressed in.
Jesus, fully God and fully man, faced anguish we can barely comprehend.
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Luke 22:42
This was perfect submission. Jesus brought it before the Father. And then, He chose obedience.
“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross…” Hebrews 12:2
Christ’s confrontation with fear didn’t remove the suffering but it glorified the Father and brought salvation to the world.
The Thread That Ties Them All Together
Every one of these individuals felt fear but fear didn't win. Their faith was in God's ability to carry them through.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3
God calls you to be faithful.
Sin the Great Joker Written to Strengthen Faith
This is the heartbeat behind Sin the Great Joker. It was written to equip believers, especially those navigating the demands of leadership, ambition, and calling—to live boldly and faithfully. To pursue both excellence and holiness. To remember that eternity always outweighs applause.
If you feel the Lord prompting you to go deeper in your faith while walking faithfully in your career, you can get your copy here: www.sinthegreatjoker.com
If you've read the book and it encouraged your faith, I would be honored if you would consider leaving a thoughtful and heartfelt review on Amazon. Your words might help another believer walk in boldness.
If you feel led, gift the book to someone, it’s a meaningful way to encourage and strengthen their faith.
Anchored by Faith. Walk by Faith.
Be encouraged by what’s promised. Every step you take toward truth is a step toward freedom. Every surrender is a seed planted in eternity.
Let’s choose what lasts. Let’s live like we believe the Gospel is true. Let’s build lives that bring glory to Christ.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Help Spread the Word
Share with Friends, give the Gift of Faith and if you loved the book, please consider giving it a heartfelt and thoughtful review. Your feedback helps others discover the book and its message of hope and faith. www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
