A chapel message from Chance S, Class of 2026
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Chance. My Favorite Verse is Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
Today’s topic is about fear and doubt. Yesterday we read about Jesus and Peter walking on water. When the disciples saw Jesus on the water, they originally thought he was a ghost and were afraid. I want to take the rest of my mini-message to talk to you all about 3 ways you can choose faith over fear.
“3 Things to know about fear
Fear is a feeling and feelings change.
Fear is a messenger, not a manager.
Fear is not a leader, faith is.”
–Chance S., Class of 2026
The first thing to remember when choosing faith over fear is that:
Fear is a feeling and feelings change.
For example, in the story yesterday, Peter was feeling bold and brave when he stepped out of the boat. But then, he started to doubt and sank.
Fear is a feeling. Your feelings matter, but they aren’t capable of leading you. God gave you His Word, His Spirit, and His wisdom to guide you. Trust Him even when your emotions want to pull you another way.
Fear is a messenger. Not a manager.
As you may not know I have two tattoos and the one on my foot says “walk by faith.” I personally describe walking by faith as having the inner knowing or the courage to step out into the unknown regardless of what is in front of me. In Hebrews 11:1, the Bible says that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”
Sometimes it can be scary when you don’t know what God has in store for you or you might be discouraged because God is not telling you everything He has in store for you yet. That’s why it’s important to continue to have hope, and wake up everyday and step out on faith, and pray that God continues to order your steps.
Fear is not a leader. Faith is.
An hour ago, I told Mrs. Barber [faculty advisor to Chapel] that I might not do this message because I was afraid. But you have to surround yourself with faith-filled people who support you and trust that you can do it. When you have encouragement around you, it can help challenge negative thoughts and you will realize God is going to lead you and give you the strength you need to walk by faith and not by fear.
Thank you!
