Faith over Fear

Happy Monday to our CFC Family!

Yesterday, Lenise and I watched an incredible event that happened this week that was broadcasted on television: Alex Honnold climbing one of the world’s tallest buildings in Thailand, the King Power Mahanakhon which soared an astonishing 314 meters into the sky. The climb took him an hour and a half, and we sat on the edge of our seats, palms sweaty, hearts racing, as he carefully navigated each daunting step. Every movement was deliberate, every decision precise, and the suspense kept us completely captivated.

What struck me most was the incredible confidence he displayed. He moved with grace and control, making it look almost effortless. Yet, I am sure Alex would be the first to tell you that his confidence wasn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to mentally overcome it. Even more astounding, was that he had no ropes, no harness, no safety equipment to catch if he fell, a single misstep could have been fatal. It was obvious that he has developed a healthy relationship with fear. A fear that didn’t paralyze him, but instead sharpened his focus, taught him caution, and guided him to make wise decisions with every step. Through years of disciplined training, repetition, and experience, he has learned to let fear work for him, not against him.

Alex may have been, “born to climb,” but he wasn’t born a climber. Before he could conquer heights like this, he first had to learn to walk, then to run, and then climb gradually. Before he was able to climb 314 meters, he first had to be able to climb 1 meter. I’m sure Alex stumbled and fell many times along the way, but he would have never become the climber he is if he had given up the first time he slipped. Because he chose to rise after each fall, to learn from mistakes, and to press forward, he eventually gained the skill, courage, and resilience to tackle ever-greater challenges.

Our Christian journey is remarkably similar. We may be born with the potential to be a warrior for God, yet just as Alex had to choose to become a climber, we must choose to follow Christ, to grow, and to press forward in faith. Too many Christians never reach the heights God has for them because they allow fear to hold them back. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of the unknown can keep us “in the boat,” while we watch the “Peter’s”, move forward in bold faith.

God allows challenges, trials, and moments of fear not to harm us, but to teach courage, build discipline, and strengthen faith. Every small step of obedience, every moment we rise after a fall, prepares us for the greater heights He wants us to reach. Like Alex, our spiritual climbing requires perseverance, practice, and trust in God’s guidance.

Watching Alex finally stand at the top of the tower, I could only imagine the rush of accomplishment and awe he must have felt. Standing hundreds of meters above the city, looking down at the challenge he had just conquered, thousands of people cheered him on. Yet the true triumph wasn’t these things, but in his own words they were “Deeply personal.” A culmination of discipline, courage, and perseverance paying off in a breathtaking, almost indescribable moment.

Spiritually, this is the kind of victory God desires for each of us. Have you ever experienced that sense of spiritual euphoria—the overwhelming joy and awe that comes when you step out in faith, face your fears, and trust God fully? When we overcome our fears, press forward, and allow God to guide each step, the rewards are profound! Not only for others to witness, but for our own soul to embrace, preparing us for the next, even greater challenges that lie ahead.”

We are reminded in Psalm 34:4:

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

In Joshua 1:9 we read;

"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."

Faith is not about never falling or never feeling fear. It’s about getting up, trusting God, and taking the next step, knowing that He equips us for every challenge and every height we are called to reach. Like Alex, the climb is difficult, but the joy, awe, and triumph at the top make every struggle worth it.

Question: What fear is holding you back from stepping out in faith?

What would happen if you chose to “Climb” anyways?

Have a blessed week and we’ll see you Sunday!

Pastor Dan