Does fear ever stop you from sharing the gospel? Many believers want to start sharing their faith—or are already doing so—but constantly battle fear. This article aims to explore where these fears come from and how we can grow in confidence in our evangelism. By understanding the root of fear, we can apply practical, biblical truths to overcome it and move forward in sharing the gospel.
Where does fear come from?
Jesus’ diagnosis of fear’s root cause is straightforward but challenging. In Matthew 8:26, He asks:
‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’
Then in Matthew 14:31, speaking to Peter, He says:
‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’
In both instances, Jesus highlights the same problem: a lack of faith. Here, faith means trust—trust in God’s power and presence in our circumstances. Fear arises when we doubt that God can help us in the situation we’re facing.
Consider Peter walking on water during a storm in Matthew 14. Initially, his faith allowed him to do something extraordinary. But doubt crept in, and fear followed. He began to sink. Peter had already seen Jesus calm a storm in Matthew 8, but in this new situation, he doubted whether Jesus could act.
Like Peter, we often struggle to trust God in unfamiliar circumstances. However, just as Jesus helped Peter, He offers us the help we need to face our fears. So, how can we grow in trust and confidence?
Essential tools for overcoming fear
1. Dependence on the the Helper – the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised His disciples a helper—the Holy Spirit—who would dwell with them forever (John 14–16). If you’re a believer, the Holy Spirit is with you, strengthening and equipping you in ways far beyond your natural abilities. He:
- Helps you remember Scripture (John 14:26),
- Gives you words to speak (Luke 12:11),
- Enables you to share your testimony (1 Peter 3:15).
If you’re trying to rely on your own strength, fear is inevitable. But with the Spirit’s help, you can move beyond your doubts and trust that God is able to work in every circumstance.
2. Daily reminders of God’s trustworthiness
‘Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’ (Luke 9:23)
We are prone to forget. Doubt arises when we forget how trustworthy God is. That’s why we need to be in God’s Word daily, reading the stories of His faithfulness throughout history. Hebrews 11 is full of examples of fearful people who were ‘made strong out of weakness’ because they trusted God:
‘… who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword …’ (Hebrews 11:33–34)
The Bible reminds us that God is faithful and powerful. He worked through ordinary people with fears and weaknesses, and He can do the same with us.
3. Prayer – our lifeline
We must seek God’s help daily in prayer. Prayer is where we acknowledge our weakness, ask for strength, and depend on the Holy Spirit to work through us. Specific prayers often lead to specific answers, and seeing God answer our prayers builds boldness and confidence.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by fear, ask: Am I neglecting prayer? Fear often grows when we aren’t actively seeking God’s help.
4. Regular fellowship – the support of the Church
‘… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another …’ (Hebrews 10:24–25)
When Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples responded together, discussing what had just happened and worshiping Him. Similarly, regular fellowship with other believers strengthens our faith. In the gathered church, we hear God’s Word, learn to trust Him more deeply, and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). If you aren’t a member of a Bible-teaching church, you’re missing out on essential support and encouragement.
So, what now?
If you’re following these biblical principles—seeking the Spirit’s help, reading God’s Word daily, praying regularly, and staying connected to a church—you have all you need to overcome fear and step out in faith.
In Matthew 14, everything about Peter’s situation seemed impossible. But Jesus had commanded him to come. Trusting that command was the safest place Peter could be. Likewise, Jesus has commanded us to:
‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations … and lo, I am with you always …’ (Matthew 28:19–20)
There’s no safer or better place to be than in obedience to our Lord. Yes, it involves stepping into challenging circumstances, but we can leave the outcome to God.
Final thoughts
Here are three practical encouragements as you share your faith:
- A question you can’t answer is an opportunity to grow. You’ll often face questions that challenge you. That’s okay! Use them as opportunities to dig into Scripture, pray, and learn.
- Faith is like a muscle. Regular exercise strengthens it. Each time you step out in faith—despite your fears—you grow stronger.
- Just do it! Evangelism is learned on the job. Join with a friend or find an established outreach to be part of. If you’d like to join one of our open-air outreaches, visit our team events page or contact us: