How to Face Fear and Lead Through It

Learn to Trust When Fear Strikes

In fearful moments, our view narrows. We fixate on what is painful or uncertain and lose sight of what is possible. In the story, the people could not see beyond their distress. Yet they were invited to look up.

Learning to trust something greater than immediate fear—whether it is a belief in God, a deeper purpose, a grounding principle, or the wisdom of someone you trust—is not about ignoring fear. It involves acknowledging fear honestly while still choosing to engage with what is within your control. When fear takes hold, we often miss what is already within reach. The more we dwell on what we cannot change, the more we disconnect from our own agency and overlook the gifts and opportunities that may emerge from a shifting situation.

Neuroscience supports this idea. When we reframe fear through trust or hope, the prefrontal cortex, which governs reasoning and decision-making, helps regulate the amygdala, the brain’s fear center. This process reduces emotional overload and creates space for clearer, more grounded thinking.

Grow Through Experiences

The bronze serpent was not removed. It was transformed. What once caused harm became a symbol of healing. This reflects a deeper truth: wounds do not have to define us. They can shape us for good.

In our own lives, the things that once felt unbearable can become the very ground where resilience takes root. What once marked us with shame or fear can become a testimony to growth, maturity, and wisdom. Scars don’t vanish—but they can remind us not only of what we endured, but also of how far we’ve come.

Psychological research into post-traumatic growth reveals a compelling pattern. People who face significant adversity often report developing a stronger appreciation for life, deeper relationships, renewed priorities, and a clearer sense of purpose. These individuals are not defined by the trauma itself, but by how they respond to it. The pain does not disappear, but it becomes integrated into a fuller story—one that includes strength, insight, and new life.

This biblical account reflects that same possibility. The image of the bronze serpent became more than an object. It became a turning point. A visible reminder that the things which once wounded us may be redeemed into something that heals. Over time, the act of “looking up” has been interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual and psychological renewal—a shift from fear to faith, from paralysis to progress.

When we face our fear with honesty and presence, we create space for transformation. Avoidance keeps us trapped in the past. But awareness and willingness allow us to carry the past into a new future. We don’t heal by forgetting. We heal by allowing meaning to emerge from what once felt meaningless.

Make Realistic Plans and Expectations

When you are recovering from fear or hardship, it’s easy to want change overnight. But meaningful growth takes time. One of the most helpful things you can do is set realistic expectations.

Proverbs 21:5 offers this wisdom: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Good planning comes from steady, intentional effort.

Define what improvement looks like for you. Break it into clear, manageable steps. Create rhythms that support your wellbeing. Set goals that challenge you without overwhelming you.

Psychological research shows that specific, attainable goals boost motivation and reduce the risk of burnout. Vague intentions often increase pressure. But clear plans restore hope and create momentum.

Start where you are. Keep going, even if it’s slow. Progress builds with patience.

References

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