People say that fear keeps us alert (activates our fight-or-flight system).
Some also say fear is good because it activates our internal alarm system.
Another argument I’ve heard is that fear is a great motivator. 
That’s all good and dandy, but fear is also the reason people sabotage relationships.

Fear is the reason people lie, cheat, and harbour jealousy or envy. It is the underlying emotion behind many negative feelings. 

Fear is why some partners are abusive; fear is why some people live and die alone. Fear is why some people never find love or form genuine friendships. 

I understand, and in some small way agree, that fear can be positive fuel, as there are clear physiological benefits. However, to say fear is inherently positive is not a hill I’m ready to die on. What many call doing brave things “afraid,” to me, is simply walking in faith despite uncertainty. 

Faith is the antithesis of fear. Might I submit that those we consider to have conquered valleys, mountains, and insurmountable adversity were not driven by fear? Perhaps they had conviction despite uncertainty, despite fear — that is faith! 

What do I mean?
Faith is an incredible force. Let me explain with an analogy. 

Let’s say you and I are both in a desert. I blindfold you and tell you there is food waiting for you not too far from here. I ask you to keep walking, and you will find it — but you must keep your blindfold on. 

You trust me and my word, so you continue walking, even though you’re blindfolded. You know you’re in an unfamiliar, dangerous place — filled with wild animals and poisonous reptiles. At any moment, you could be bitten and die a painful death. But you continue, trusting that I’ve told you the truth. 

Now, here’s the key: Will you trust the voice that told you the food is ahead, or will you take off the blindfold and go back, following what makes sense logically? The voice you trust, despite the dangers, is faith.
If you take off the blindfold and go back, that’s fear. 

Faith is not about how you feel internally, but about what actions you take externally.
Will you feel uncertain in faith?
Yes.
Will you feel despair or fear?
Of course.
But you ignore those feelings and press on. 

So, what many call “doing things afraid” is really just walking in faith. Don’t conflate the two. Fear has ruined more lives than faith ever has. 

By all means, feel any emotion you wish — understand it, absorb it — but don’t let it be your guide. Choose faith, because fear is not your friend.

About the Author

Raphael Tamakloe is a Freelance Content writer; an able seller with experience in the retail industry, who has a passion for religious youth work, narrative writing of all kinds and is a skilled communicator with a flair for leadership. Graduated with a Masters in Communication, Culture and Media from Coventry University. Image courtesy of Getty Images.

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