EquipHer Vol. 40: "Rebuilding"Sample

Day 1 — The Tension Between Faith and Fear

At the EquipHer Conference 2025, Amber Duncan and Laura Lentz spoke about a specific obedience that is required while fear is still present. They did not describe this as a confident, hesitation-free obedience, rather, an obedience that is formed at the meeting point—often an uncomfortable one—between faith in God and fear of what might happen after taking that first fearful step.

This situation exposes a common assumption we often carry: having fear means we are weak in faith. The assumption that doubt disqualifies us from moving forward, and as a result, we delay responding to God and wait for clarity before taking action.

However, Scripture offers a different perspective.

In Mark 9:24, a father comes to Jesus with a prayer that holds this same tension: “I believe; help my unbelief” (NIV). In Scripture, unbelief is not always the absence of faith. Often, it is fear challenging faith—making obedience feel risky. This father does not come to Jesus without faith, but with a fragile faith that exists alongside fear. And Jesus does not turn him away. He meets him in that tension and strengthens the faith that is already present.

This moment reframes obedience. God does not require fear to disappear before He responds. He does not demand perfected faith. He responds to honesty and willingness.

Faith and fear are opposites, yet obedience is often formed in the space where faith confronts fear.

This is why God’s words to Joshua are foundational. As Joshua stands on the edge of an overwhelming calling—to step into Moses’ role and lead Israel into the Promised Land—God does not deny the presence of fear, He anchors him with courage: “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).

Throughout Scripture, courage is not rooted in self-confidence; it is rooted in the assurance of God’s presence.

God does not wait for your emotions to settle before He invites you to follow Him. He meets you where you are—while faith and fear still coexist—and asks you to take the next step with Him.

Prayer:

Lord, You see my faith, and You see my fear, teach me not to wait until I feel ready, but to trust You where I am. Help me choose obedience even when fear is still present, confident that Your presence goes before me and walks with me. Amen.