Faith and Fear Go Hand in Hand

Have you ever felt like God was calling you to do something, but fear held you back? What I've found is that almost every time God has called me to take a step of faith, faith and fear have gone hand in hand. I have to decide which one's going to win.

Let me share a couple examples from my own life. When I was 18, I felt God calling me to a Bible college in California—a place where I didn't know a single person. The fear was overwhelming. I thought, "If this doesn't work out, I have no one to fall back on." That fear was very real.

Later, when I was in the corporate world with a big salary, stock options, and all the comfort I could want, God called me to leave it all behind to serve the local church. Again, faith and fear went hand in hand.

Here's the big misconception about Christian faith: if God's calling us to something clear, we shouldn't have much fear. That's not true. I can't find that in Scripture. Look at Moses, Gideon, Joshua, Elijah, David, Peter, Paul—everyone God called to do something significant experienced fear.

The Core Truth

Faith is not the absence of fear. It's obedience, even if.

Let me say that again: Faith is not the absence of fear. You're going to have fear. It's simply deciding to be obedient to God's calling, even if.

I believe God wants to raise up a generation of Christians in America who are "even if" Christians—people who will risk it all and not fall prey to what our culture says or what our comfort demands. People who will say, "God, I want to be an even if Christian. I want to have that kind of faith."

Mark Twain said it well: "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear. It's not the absence of fear."

The Story of Esther: When God Is Moving

Let's look at Esther chapter 3. Last week we covered chapters 1 and 2, where God chose Esther—the most unlikely woman—and placed her in a godless environment as queen of Persia. Sometimes you can't see God where you're at or what He's doing, but even though God seems invisible in the moment, He will be undeniable in the outcome.

By chapter 3, Esther has been queen for maybe five years. She's living in the palace with all the comforts—attendants, servants caring for her every need. Every month, she probably gets a little more used to the comfort, a little more entitled.

When God Is Moving, Satan Is Attacking

Here's the first thing we learn: When God is moving, Satan is attacking. I've said this to our church over the past couple years because I want you prepared. Anytime God is moving in your life, expect opposition. You have an enemy who wants to distract you or pull you away from God's purposes.

Some think, "Well, if God's in it, it should be fine." No. Throughout Scripture, I can't find one person whom God is moving through who doesn't experience opposition. And Satan's opposition often comes from directions you'd never expect—out of left field.

That's what happens in Esther 3:1. A man named Haman rises to power, becoming elevated to the right hand of King Xerxes—prime minister of Persia. Here's what's crucial: Haman is an Agagite, a descendant of the Amalekites, who throughout the Old Testament hated God's people, the Jews, and wanted to annihilate them.

History repeats itself. Haman decides that everyone should bow down to him. But Mordecai—Esther's uncle and mentor—refuses. Why? Because Mordecai knows what we know as followers of Jesus: you don't bow to anyone or anything but God alone. That's what we're called to do.

Our culture wants us to bow down to other things and ideologies outside of God and His Word. But we're called to say, "I will bow to no one and no ideology except God and His Word alone."

When Mordecai refuses to bow, Haman becomes enraged. And here's the chilling part: he doesn't just want to kill Mordecai. He decides to kill every single Jew in all of Persia. Through trickery, he gets King Xerxes to sign an edict allowing the annihilation and murder of every Jew on one single day—a historic holocaust.

The Call and the Comfort

When Mordecai learns of this, he tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth and ashes—grieving and crying out to God: "I need you. I don't know what to do. We are in trouble."

Meanwhile, where is Esther? She's in the palace, being pampered. Her attendants come and tell her about Mordecai. She's in great distress, but look at her response: she sends him clothes. Retail therapy has been happening for over 2,500 years!

I picture her living a life of luxury and comfort, everyone caring for her, all her needs being met. And when Mordecai cries out to her, she's like, "Send him some clothes."

Can I modernize this? This is what a lot of us live our lives for. This is when life gets good. Let me give you an example. Jamie and I took our family to an all-inclusive resort for the first time last year. Everything was paid for. We literally sat on beach loungers as people pampered us. "Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge, would you like some fruit? Some food? Something to drink?" Everything. After a couple days, I thought, "This is it. This is living. This is arriving."

This is what a lot of us live our lives for: comfort. The next vacation, the next house upgrade, the next vacation home, the next purchase, the next car. We live for comfort.

Then Mordecai's like, "Esther, I need help," and she's like, "Send him an outfit." So he sends her the edict: all the Jews will be murdered. And Esther says, "I don't think so." Why? She's afraid because approaching the king without being summoned could get her killed.

But God is placing a call on Esther's life. God didn't put her in the palace for her comfort. He put her in the palace for His purposes and a calling on her life. Esther has to decide between the comfort she's in and the calling God has for her.

God's Calling and Your Comfort Rarely Coexist

Here's the second big lesson: God's calling and your comfort rarely coexist.

Mordecai presses Esther: "You have to help. People are going to die. You have to do something."

We have a similar calling. Right now, there are people all around us dying spiritually because they don't have Jesus. If they died tomorrow, they would spend eternity without Christ. That should break our hearts more than anything else. We're called to go before our King in prayer and ask God to use our lives to impact everyone around us so they can find Jesus and the hope we have.

Your calling and your comfort rarely coexist because God wants to get us out of our comfort zones and make a difference with our lives, to live for something more than just ourselves.

When did that become the American dream? We've got it all wrong. This life is so short. It has to be lived for more than just us. And you can't execute your calling while chasing your comfort. Vacations and relaxation are fine—they refresh us to get back on mission—but they're not the mission.

Do you know the call on your life? Some of us are waiting for something really specific, but here's the truth: God has already given you your calling. Your calling is the exact same mission as Jesus. Jesus said His mission on earth was to seek and save the lost. That is our mission as well.

I don't want to reach the end of my life on my deathbed and realize it wasn't lived for the purpose that matters—the only purpose that matters: winning people to Jesus for eternity.

We have to get out of our comfort zones. One of my mentors, John Maxwell, said, "Everything you want in life is outside of your comfort zone." If you want to live a life of purpose, your calling and comfort rarely coexist.

A Living Example: Matt's Faith

I have a friend named Matt who attends our Peoria campus. He had all the comforts—the financial success as a financial advisor, and life was good. But God came calling, and Matt discovered a deeper calling than comfort.

Matt's faith was growing, his family was attending church regularly, he was in God's Word. God was blessing his business. But as he studied God's Word, he saw His call: to live differently. He got exposed to missions and God's global plan, and a question haunted him: "How can I keep living like this knowing billions of people around the world have never even heard of Jesus?"

Matt realized his faith had become too comfortable. He took steps, going on mission trips to Central America and Rocky Point. But every time he returned, the question was front and center: "What about those who have never heard?"

He was scheduled to go to Haiti, but the team backed out and the trip was canceled. Matt was frustrated with God. But over the next few days, through prayer and reflection, talking with missionaries in Nepal and India, he thought, "Maybe I'm supposed to go see them."

He reached out, they said yes, and everyone thought he was crazy. But he said, "If it doesn't require some faith, is it me or is it God?"

In Nepal, Matt visited a remote village among the poorest of the poor. A clean water well had just been installed, and the whole community gathered as a pastor celebrated and dedicated it. To see the joy on their faces as they pumped the well for the first time was incredible. But what moved Matt most was seeing the pastor use the platform to share Jesus with them, all gathered around, leaning in, listening.

"This is what it's about," Matt realized. "It's not just about the water. It's about the water providing a pathway for the gospel to go where it's never been before."

In persecuted countries like Nepal and India, it's illegal to convert to a different faith. People can be jailed, beaten, or killed for their faith. This showed Matt how valuable Jesus is and how bold these believers are—what they're willing to risk.

Matt has experienced opposition—the pressure of running an organization, wondering what happens if something goes wrong. But he's found peace knowing "this is God's ministry, not mine. He's going to do His will through it, and it's my responsibility to be obedient."

Imagine being born in a place where you live your entire life and pass away never having heard the name of Jesus. That's the reality for over 3 billion people today. Matt's message: "If you have the opportunity and those barriers are there, just trust the Lord and take that step. You're going to look back and know it was one of the most important and valuable things you've done."

Matt had comfort, but he chose calling.

Taking Steps of Faith

Your calling is most likely not to start a ministry overseas. But it might be to get on a mission trip. Many of you have never taken that step. I want to challenge you in the next year to sign up for a mission trip. We have hundreds of them—local, near, and far. There's little you can do that will get you out of your comfort zone in the best possible way for God to speak to you than getting on a mission trip.

Jamie and I are leaving next week on a mission trip to visit one of our missionaries and spend time with pastors in some of the most godless countries today. I'm excited to pour into them, but more importantly, I'm excited for them to get me out of my comfort zone—to realize there's more going on globally.

There are so many ways to take steps of faith. It doesn't have to be a mission trip. Some of you, it's time to start serving. Use your life for something more than just you. Maybe it's a job change God's calling you to. Maybe it's something financial that feels like a big risk. Maybe it's sharing your faith more. If fear comes up, that's good. Because faith isn't the absence of fear; it's obedience even if.

Esther's Moment of Decision

When Esther refuses to help, Mordecai sends back this answer:

"Do not think that because you're in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"

Who knows if God wants you to risk it all? You were put there not for your comfort, but for a calling and purpose—for such a time as this.

CCV, you have been put in your position and where you are today for such a time as this. It's not for your benefit. It's to use your life for God's purposes.

Esther finally gets it. Here's what she says:

"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for 3 days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

That's an even if kind of faith. It's one of the most bold acts of faith in all of Scripture—someone saying, "I was made for such a time as this. I'm going to take a step of faith that requires me to move beyond my fear, and I will do it even if."

The Outcome Is in God's Hands

The third thing we learn from Esther's life is this: The outcome is in God's hands. Obedience is in ours.

We get so wrapped up in the outcome. What's going to happen? What if I lose my job? What if I look dumb? What if this fails? What if, what if, what if?

If God's calling you to something, the outcome is in God's hands, and obedience is in yours. God's just looking for "what if" obedience. Just take a step of faith.

I wonder what step of obedience God is calling you to today. And what's your "what if"? Be honest—our what ifs pale in comparison to Esther's. Most Christians around the world today are telling people about Jesus knowing that if someone converts, they can lose their life.

Let me give you an example. On February 15th, 2015, ISIS militants kidnapped 21 Christians in Libya. They marched them onto a beach and said, "We will behead you if you don't renounce your faith in Jesus." All they had to do was say "Allah" and say "I no longer believe in Jesus."

Every single one of these 21 Christians was beheaded on film. And as they were getting ready to be beheaded, all of them were speaking the name of Jesus.

It gets me emotional because I put myself in their shoes and think, "Would I have the even if kind of faith to do the same thing?" I want to believe I would. I pray we have a church that would never renounce the name of Jesus, ever—even if.

I'm not telling that story to discount your fears. Your fears are not illegitimate. They're very real. But what God is calling us to is an even if faith—a faith that's not the absence of fear, but obedience even if.

Every Day Requires Faith Over Fear

Do you realize life always requires faith over fear? Think about it. When you board an airplane, that's an act of faith. You've never met the pilot. You're not in control. But most of us still get in the seat, put on the seatbelt, and say, "Even if, go."

Isn't it interesting that many of us trust Southwest Airlines more than we trust the God of the universe who called us to something and promised He will never leave us, never forsake us?

Your comfort and God's calling rarely coexist. So let me ask you right now: What is God calling you to that will take a step of faith requiring even if obedience?

For a lot of us, it's living our lives to share Jesus with everyone around us. Who's the last person you invited to church? When's the last time you talked to a coworker or neighbor about your story and what Jesus has done in your life? "What if I look dumb? What if I lose a friend? What if I lose a promotion?" It's even if obedience.

Specific Calls to Even If Obedience

As I've been praying for you this week, I asked God, "What would be some even if types of obedience?" Here's what I felt He pressed on my heart. If this is you, know God is speaking to you:

For some, it's baptism. You've held off. You've got all your what ifs: "I don't know if I'm worthy enough." But if you believe in Jesus and want Him as your Lord, Scripture shows baptism happens immediately. Your delayed obedience is disobedience. Your what if might be: "If I get baptized and my family finds out, they may disown me." That's real for some of you. Do you want to be obedient to God or to someone else? The outcome is in God's hands. Obedience is in yours.

For others, it's a relationship. You're dating someone—maybe the person you're marrying, maybe even engaged. And you know it's not a God-honoring relationship. It scares you to death to break up with them. Yet you know it's right. I call you to have even if faith. I met Amber last weekend. She broke up with someone months ago that she was convinced she was marrying. She told me, "All these months later, I have never had so much peace." Now she's trusting God to bring the right person. He will—with that kind of faith.

For others, it's finances. Things may feel insecure economically. There's inflation. Business isn't going well. And you've decided not to give, not to tithe, not to bring the first back to God. It feels natural because you have fear about your finances. The one area God invites you to test Him—the only area—is with your finances. It takes even if obedience to finally experience God's blessings. You'll never experience His blessings without obedience. Every time you get paid, bring the first back to Him so He can bless the rest. Someone needs to start today. I don't care what fear you have—start honoring God with your finances. The outcome is in God's hands. Obedience is in yours. Trust Him.

For others, it's a job change. Some of you need to stay put. Some need to go. Some of you need to go on a mission trip. Get over the fear. God will provide.

For others, it's full-time ministry. I don't know who you are, but I'm saying it.

For some, it's adoption or foster care. It scares you to death. God's calling you to take that step of faith—obedience even if.

For someone watching online right now, you're isolated in your house, and showing up to a campus scares you. You've got anxiety. God doesn't want you alone. That's not how you grow. If you live near a CCV campus, I'm challenging you: reach out to our online team. We'll get you connected. Someone will meet you, show you around, make sure you're not alone. Take that step of faith.

There's a student here with the wrong group of friends, and you know it scares you to death to make a change. You can't live the right life with the wrong friends. Take a step of faith and watch God bring the right friends.

Parents, you haven't signed your kids up for camp. You've got all the what ifs. Will they be safe? Will they find friends? Can we afford it? Put your excuses aside because your fears are going to keep your student from growing in their faith. There's hardly anything more powerful for student faith growth than camp. If finances are an issue, let us know. We will help.

God wants to call someone to even if obedience. Otherwise, you'll never experience the miracles and blessings God has for you. Most importantly, you'll miss out on your calling and God's purpose.

A Prayer of Decision

Let me ask you: What is God calling you to? What fear do you need to overcome? Remember: faith isn't the absence of fear. It's obedience even if.

God is asking you right now to have an even if kind of faith. Sure, you'll experience opposition—when God's moving, Satan's attacking. But remember: God's calling and your comfort rarely coexist. The outcome is in God's hands. Obedience is in yours.

Let me pray. God, I pray for the person here whose heart is beating because they know exactly what You're calling them to. Big or small, God, write a new story in their life. Give them purpose, peace, and meaning. Let chapter one be this: they overcame their fear and took a step of faith even if. God, give us courage for whatever You're saying to us as a church, as people, as followers of Jesus. Whatever that step of faith is, bless it the way You always do when we're obedient. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you need prayer for that step of faith, we have a prayer team right up front. We'll see you back next week for Made for the Moment.