Praise the Lord for Lee Bryan, Alyssa Yang, and Natalie Garner, who publicly declared their faith through baptism today!
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
WALKING IN FAITH, NOT FEAR
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7
When Peter stepped out of the boat, he demonstrated remarkable faith, trusting Jesus’ command to “Come.”
For a moment, Peter experienced the impossible—walking on water.
However, the moment he shifted his focus from Jesus to the raging storm around him, fear crept in.
The wind and waves overwhelmed his faith, and he began to sink.
Jesus immediately reached out, saving him and asking, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).
This story teaches us that fear grows when we take our eyes off Jesus, but faith thrives when we remain focused on Him.
In a battlefield filled with fear-stricken soldiers, young David stood out as a man of faith.
Despite the taunts and enormous size of Goliath, David didn’t let fear dictate his actions.
Instead, he boldly declared, “The Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).
With faith as his weapon, David triumphed over what seemed impossible.
This story reminds us that fear may magnify our challenges, but faith magnifies the power of God.
When Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, he faced immense challenges.
Yet God’s command was clear: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).
By trusting in God’s presence and promises, Joshua walked in victory, showing us the importance of relying on God’s strength over our own fears.
Faith is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God in the face of it.
Fear often whispers lies that magnify our problems and minimize God’s power.
It tells us we’re not enough or that our circumstances are too great.
Faith silences these lies by declaring God’s truth.
Walking in faith means remembering who God is.
He is our protector, provider, and guide.
When life feels overwhelming, we can rest in the truth that God has given us power through the Holy Spirit, love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and a sound mind to make decisions rooted in trust rather than panic.
Walking in faith is not a one-time decision but a daily practice.
It’s choosing to trust God with each step, even when we cannot see the full path.
Whether it’s a financial burden, a health scare, or an uncertain future, we must anchor ourselves in the promises of Scripture and the unchanging character of God.
Imagine watching a skilled tightrope walker crossing a high wire.
The audience holds their breath with every step, but the walker moves with confidence, trusting the balance pole and the strength of the cable.
Walking in faith is much the same.
We don’t ignore the challenges around us, but we rely on God to steady us and keep us from falling.
A child learning to walk often clings to their parent’s hand for balance and assurance.
The moment they let go, fear and instability take over.
Similarly, God holds our hand as we navigate life’s challenges.
Our confidence comes not from our own strength but from His steady presence.
Picture a bridge shrouded in thick fog.
You can’t see the other side, but you know it’s there.
Fear would have you freeze, paralyzed by the unknown.
Faith, however, encourages you to take the next step, trusting the bridge to hold.
God’s promises are like that bridge, unseen but completely reliable.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind that You have given me. Help me to reject fear and walk in faith, keeping my eyes on You. When challenges arise, remind me of Your presence and Your promises. Let my life be a testimony of trust in Your unfailing power and love. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT: Memorize Scripture: Write down 2 Timothy 1:7 and meditate on it throughout the day. Whenever fear creeps in, recite this verse aloud, affirming God’s promise.
Replace Fearful Thoughts: Identify one fear you’re currently facing. Each time it surfaces, replace it with a prayer or Scripture, like Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.”
Take a Step of Faith: Identify one area in your life where fear has held you back. Commit to taking a small, faith-filled step in that area today, trusting God to guide and provide.
God has not called you to live in fear but to walk in faith, empowered by His love and strengthened by His promises.
Fear may knock at your door, but it doesn’t have to move in.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, and let His perfect love drive out every fear.
You are never alone, and He will never fail you.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mike Bryan
Liz Knight
Jessica Headrick
Linda Lanier
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Danny Jarrard – Riverside in Covington
Dale Lake
David Newby
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Michael Stanley
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher