Christ says to him, ‘Don't be afraid. Don't think that nothing can be done.
The sort of fear Christ speaks of is a fear that comes from doubting that God will or can help us. The Lord assures him by these words that the situation has not become too difficult for him to help. But Jesus speaks comfort, ‘Be not afraid, only believe’ - present continuous – go on believing. The trouble with us is that we do both. We believe but we fear too, or we believe and we doubt. ‘I want to come to Christ but probably nothing will happen.’ Doubt and fear mingle at the same time. But we must not doubt. We must do him the honour of trusting him simply to do as he has said.
Our fears oppose our faith, and our faith opposes our fears. Faith does not invent a Christ for us, but it shows us a Christ who is already there, and is more wonderful than we have ever dared believe before.