Fear has a way of changing our perspective. When difficult situations arise, it can cause us to focus more on what we see around us than on the God who is with us. Problems appear larger, confidence becomes weaker and the promises of God can become harder to remember.
Every believer faces moments when circumstances challenge their faith. A season of sickness, financial pressure, disappointment or uncertainty about the future can cause fear to rise within us.
Yet throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells His people, “Fear not.” This command is not given because difficulties do not exist, but because God’s presence is greater than every difficulty we face.
The Bible shows us that fear and faith are often determined by what we choose to focus on. When we only see our circumstances, fear can take control. But when God opens our eyes of faith, we begin to recognise His protection, His power and His purpose even in challenging seasons.
As Prophet T.B. Joshua taught:
“The opening of our eyes of faith is the silencing of our fears.”
In this message, we will discover how God helps us see beyond our circumstances, why fear loses its power when our confidence is placed in Him, and how we can walk with assurance knowing that God is always present.
Fear Changes Focus
Fear is one of the greatest challenges to faith because it changes what we focus on. It is a more deceptive enemy than satan himself. Fear weakens our determination and willpower.
Instead of remembering God’s faithfulness, fear causes us to concentrate on the size of our problems. Instead of looking at God’s ability, we begin to measure our situation by human limitations.
This is why fear can weaken our determination and prevent us from moving forward in obedience to God. It can make us surrender to circumstances that God never intended to control our lives.
In Mark 10:46–52, we see the example of Bartimaeus, the blind man who cried out to Jesus for mercy. When the crowd tried to silence him, he refused to allow their opposition to stop him.
“Millions today have surrendered to their fear, while their hearts dream of a miracle.” – T.B. Joshua
He could have allowed fear, rejection or discouragement to keep him quiet. Instead, he continued calling out to Jesus.
His faith was greater than his fear.
This reminds us that opposition does not mean God has abandoned us. Sometimes the moment when faith is tested is the moment when we must hold on more firmly to God’s promises.
The Difference Between Seeing and Believing
One of the clearest examples of faith overcoming fear is found in 2 Kings 6.
When the Syrian army surrounded the city, Elisha’s servant saw only danger. From his perspective, there appeared to be no way out.
But Elisha saw something greater.
He said:
“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)
The angels are unspeakably more numerous, and God is infinitely more powerful. The servant could only see the strength of the enemy before him, but Elisha understood the greater reality of God’s protection.
Then Elisha prayed:
“Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.” (2 Kings 6:17)
When God opened the servant’s eyes, he saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.
The protection of God had been there all along. The situation had not changed; what changed was the servant’s understanding of what was happening.
This teaches us an important truth: there is a difference between the eyes of the body and the eyes of faith.
The eyes of the body see difficulties, limitations and uncertainty.
The eyes of faith see God’s presence, His protection and His power.
When we cannot see beyond our immediate circumstances, fear can overwhelm us. But when we begin to see from God’s perspective, our confidence is restored.
Romans 8:31 reminds us:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
And Isaiah 43:1–2 gives us this promise:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
God does not promise a life without challenges. He promises that we will never face them alone.
God Is With You in Every Situation
When Elisha told his servant not to fear, he was not ignoring the reality of the situation. He understood the danger, but he also understood the greater reality of God’s presence.
He saw the protection that his servant could not yet see.
In the same way, God desires to open our eyes so we recognise that we are under His care.
Many times, fear grows because we focus only on what is happening around us. We forget that God is working even when we cannot see the evidence immediately.
Exodus 14:14 says:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
When we recognise that God is fighting for us, we can find peace in the middle of uncertainty. We can quiet our hearts because our security is not found in circumstances, but in God.
This is why we can pray:
“Lord, open the eyes of my faith that I may see the protection I am under.”
When our spiritual eyes are opened, fear no longer controls us. We begin to trust God more deeply, knowing that His presence surrounds us.
Fear Not: God Is Still Speaking Through Your Circumstances
One of the greatest challenges during difficult seasons is understanding what God is doing.
It is easy to assume that trouble means God has forgotten us. But Scripture shows us that God can use circumstances to preserve us, prepare us, strengthen us and draw us closer to Him.
What looks like a setback may be part of God’s preparation.
A delay may be protecting you.
A difficult season may be strengthening your faith.
A challenge may be preparing you for what lies ahead.
Don’t allow your trouble to change your direction or your confession. Remember, God is still saying something. In every situation, God has something to say.
This is why we must be careful not to allow our circumstances to change our direction or our confession.
Instead, we should ask:
“What is God saying through this situation?”
Perhaps God is using this season to slow you down because you are moving in the wrong direction, prepare you for greater responsibility and reform your character by strengthening your trust in Him.
Whatever the situation may be, God is still working.
Do not allow what you see today to determine what you believe about God tomorrow.
Continue walking with Him, trusting that His purpose is greater than your present circumstances.
Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
Fear often begins with what we see.
Faith begins with seeing beyond what is visible.
Like Elisha prayed for his servant, we can ask God to open the eyes of our faith so that we recognise His presence, His protection and His purpose in every season.
When God opens our spiritual eyes, we realise that our circumstances do not have the final word.
His promises do.
We can declare:
“I am walking with the Lord. I am not walking by sight. What is seen cannot dictate my direction. What is seen cannot change my confession.”
Walking with God means trusting Him even when we cannot see the full picture. It means believing that His presence is greater than our fears and His purpose is greater than our present situation.
Whatever challenge you are facing today, remember this: God is with you. The same God who protected Elisha and his servant is still able to strengthen, guide and preserve His people today.
To explore this message further, watch “Fear Not (Part 1)” by Prophet T.B. Joshua and discover how God opens the eyes of our faith so we can recognise His protection, trust His purpose and live free from fear.