
Choosing Faith Over Fear
Life is full of moments that force us to choose between faith and fear. Some challenges seem so overwhelming that doubt feels like the most logical response. But what if we approached life with a “surely” mentality—one of complete confidence in God’s promises, just like Caleb did?
When Moses sent twelve men to scout the Promised Land, ten of them came back gripped by fear. They saw giants, fortified cities, and obstacles too big to overcome. But Caleb and Joshua? They saw God’s promises. They were fully convinced: “Surely we will take possession of it because surely we will be able to prevail over it” (Numbers 13:30).
I remember standing in my empty barracks at a naval base in Washington State, staring at packed boxes, feeling a twinge of fear and excitement. Doubts entered my mind. Will I fit in? Will I be okay? Will I make friends? But deep inside, a quiet confidence whispered, surely God will take care of everything.
I’ve had many of these Caleb moments—times when I had to push past fear and trust that God was leading me forward. One of the biggest was when I moved from Seattle to Los Angeles. Moving to a new city, starting over—it felt uncertain. But deep down, I knew I’d be okay. I had seen God take care of me before, and I believed He would do it again. And He did.
God Cares About the Details
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about faith is that God is not just concerned with the big picture—He cares about the smallest details of our lives.
There was a time in college when I ran out of funding and thought my dreams of studying abroad in France were over. But somehow, God made a way. My university stepped in, cosigning a loan that allowed me to go. Looking back, I see it so clearly: that was God’s hand at work.
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” (Psalm 138:8).
God sees what concerns us, even when we don’t know how things will come together. And because of that, I’ve learned to face uncertainty with faith. Even when life feels chaotic, I trust that things are unfolding in a way that will ultimately be for my good.
Living with a “Surely” Mentality
So how do we apply this “surely” mindset in everyday life?
For me, it comes down to this:
1. Trusting that everything will work out according to God’s plan. I don’t have to figure out every detail—I just have to trust Him.
2. Turning to prayer when doubt creeps in. Whenever I feel anxious or uncertain, I go straight to God. He is my armor.
3. Anchoring myself in scripture. The Word of God is a powerful weapon against fear. Every time doubt rises, I counter it with truth.
Recently, I had to apply this “surely” mentality in my personal life. I made the difficult decision to end a relationship—even though I have hopes and dreams of marriage. Walking away was painful, but I knew I had to protect my relationship with God first. So now, I’m trusting that He will bring the right person into my life at the right time. Surely God will put someone in my life who is the perfect fit for me.
One of my favorite scriptures that reminds me of this is:
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19).
God has never failed me. And He won’t start now.
Encouragement for Those Struggling with Fear
Maybe you’re reading this and feeling more like the ten spies—seeing only the obstacles ahead, unsure of how things will work out. I get it. Fear is real. But so is God’s faithfulness.
What’s the “giant” in your life right now? The thing that seems too big, too overwhelming? Whatever it is, don’t just see the obstacles—see the God who is bigger than them all.
When doubt rises, run to God. He is your strength, your armor, and your provider. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just have to trust the One who does. And trust me, prayer is everything. We may not always see the immediate effects, but if we could step back and view the bigger picture, we’d see how every prayer creates a ripple effect.
Author Corrie ten Boom once said:
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
So keep praying. Keep standing on God’s promises. Keep reminding yourself that He is working on your behalf—even when you can’t see it.
Soul Insights
1. God’s track record is flawless. He has never failed before, and He won’t start now.
2. Prayer is your greatest weapon. When fear creeps in, go straight to God. Don’t fight battles alone.
3. Scripture is your anchor. Memorize God’s promises so that when doubt comes, you can counter it with truth.
4. God is in the details. He cares about your dreams, your struggles, and even the little things you worry about. Nothing is too small for Him.
5. Faith strengthens with experience. The more you trust God, the more you’ll see His faithfulness in action. And each time He comes through, your faith grows even stronger.
Final Thoughts: Strengthening Your Faith Journey
Having a “surely” mentality isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about seeing reality through the lens of faith. Caleb and Joshua saw the same giants the other spies did, but they chose to believe in God’s power instead of their fears.
I’ve learned that faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting that God already does. And that trust? It changes everything.
So whatever you’re facing today, put a “surely” in front of it.
Surely God will provide.
Surely He will make a way.
Surely He is fighting for you.
Take a moment today to write down one thing you’re trusting God for, and put a “surely” in front of it. Let that be your declaration of faith.
“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” — Elisabeth Elliot
When you hold onto that confidence, you’ll walk into everything He has promised you—just like Caleb did.
© 2025 Amelie Chambord

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