Are you living in faith or fear?

We place our faith in countless people and things. We believe our legs will support us, so we get out of bed. We believe our brakes will enable our car to stop, so we drive. We believe our boss will pay us, so we show up for the job. When we have faith in something, our behavior is affected. We act out of faith. The opposite of faith is fear.
We can choose one or the other. Imagine a world in which car brakes only worked half the time. We would be terrified at every intersection. God is infinitely more reliable than the finest car on the market, but we don’t treat Him that way. Our faith seems to extend just beyond our ability even though God is able to do infinitely more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). We hope for good when God promises the best. God is able to do infinitely more than we can imagine. Matthew 8 is full of the fulfillment of God’s promises in people's lives. If we really have faith that God works in these ways, it radically changes the way we live our lives. We are willing to address sin we’ve brushed under the rug because Jesus forgives and heals. We will step out and risk something for God because we know He’ll provide for us (Philippians 1:6). Faith like this eliminates fear because our faith is in a certainty: Jesus. When we are afraid to address an area of sin in our life and be obedient to God’s call, it is because we doubt the truth of God’s promises. Our faith is limited by our need to believe we are better equipped than God to manage our issues. Fear of condemnation and failure overtake us. God offers freedom from fear through faith in Him.
Reflect:
Does your faith in an unseen God propel you to action each day? In what area of your life are you doubting God’s promises? What part does God have for you to play in growing your own faith?

Where to find peace when you’re scared

When was the last time you were really scared? As a child, you might have woken from a bad dream only to find yourself staring into a dark room and feeling unsettled. Fear can quickly lead to confusion and panic. Where am I? What happened? Was that real?
The fear and disorientation that follow a bad dream are similar to what Daniel experienced in Daniel 10. And what God’s messenger did for Daniel, God does for us in the dark corners of our lives. Daniel was frightened by the vision God gave him, but God’s messenger reassured him. Daniel lost his speech, but the messenger’s touch restored it. Daniel felt weak and helpless, but the messenger’s words strengthened him. Likewise, God meets us in our fear and reassures us of His presence and His promises. God restores our souls, saving us from sin and to an abundant life with Him. And knowing that we would feel weak and helpless, God sent us His Word and His Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us. God brings healing when we are hurt, peace when we are troubled, and strength when we are weak. In the same way a child calls out for mom or dad, we have a heavenly Father we can call out to in times of fear and uncertainty. And as we reach out to God, He settles our hearts the same way He did for Daniel.
Reflect:
How have you seen God bring peace and calm to a scary situation in the past? Is there anything you’re fearful of right now? Take a few minutes to tell God your fears. Is there an area of your life where you feel weak? Take a few minutes to ask God to give you guidance and strength.

Walking with Grit

About 3 million people hike along the Appalachian Trail each year. About 3,000 people try to walk the entire trail—from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. But only about 25 percent of those manage to finish. It takes grit to hike 5 million steps! Noah had grit. Noah’s story isn’t about walking a trail, but about building an ark. And if you’ve ever built anything, you know that it involves many steps in a process. Gathering materials, measuring, cutting, fitting, shaping, joining, finishing. Piece by piece, the ark took shape. God had commanded Noah to build an enormous lifeboat on dry land. It took Noah years to complete what seemed an impossible, ludicrous project. Imagine the courage, resolve, and sheer stamina it took to work on the ark day after day as his neighbors mocked him. God chose Noah not for his grit but for his faith. When he received God’s command, Noah didn’t hesitate. Though he may have had doubts, he acted in faith, step by step, until the ark was ready. Hebrews 11:7 commends Noah for his active faith. In the face of what seemed ridiculous and impossible, Noah walked with God. We may not finish every task we try to accomplish for God’s kingdom, but if we step out in faith in obedience to God, we walk with the Lord in his strength. Lord Jesus, help us to live by faith in you, with courage, confidence, and boldness in following, obeying, and serving you in the world. Amen.