1 John 5:4, English Standard Version

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

By the grace of God, He has called me into His mission—to teach and to share His Good News. Along this path, I spend a great deal of time with women, both believers and unbelievers, whether through rebuilding or equipping. Sadly, I sometimes find there is little difference between them—worry and fear often lead the way in their daily lives.

It may sound harsh, but if you take time to think about it, you might reach the same conclusion I have: Why do we believe in a God we do not trust? This question often leads to others:

Is there any circumstance your God cannot handle? What does it mean to believe in a loving God if He doesn’t seem to care about your needs? If He does care, if He does love, and if He is powerful—what then causes you to worry and fear?

That leads me to a deeper question I often ask: How can an unbeliever come to trust your God if you yourself do not trust Him? If God is not worthy of your trust, why do you choose to believe in Him at all?

Here is the truth: there is no good reason or justification for worry and fear if we are followers of Christ. First, we must know this: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18, NIV) Who is perfect love? Jesus.

Second, Jesus assures us, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT) Because of this, we should be able to follow the example of the apostle Paul, who declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV)

So here is the real question to ask yourself if you find that worry and fear dominate your life: Do I truly know who Jesus is? Do I truly know His love for me?

My family in Christ, I want you to know this truth: neither worry nor fear can lead you to hope or a future—they only paralyze you. Only trust and faith can move you forward. So rest your soul in Jesus and trust in His promises:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

And begin here: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV)