Faith over Fear

Lately, I have been learning a lot about the strength of faith from the Lord. I was raised in the church where I constantly heard about the concept of faith. As a Christian, I knew we were supposed to have it, but I wasn't really sure the true importance of it. It wasn't until recently that I have felt God has been teaching me what walking in genuine, all surrendering, wholly obedient faith truly is. Embracing faith is a profound journey of trust and surrender, where we relinquish our desires, fears, and doubts to God. It involves a deep commitment to letting go of the need to control every aspect of our lives and instead placing our lives in God's hands. This act of surrender is not just a one-time decision but a continuous process of aligning our will with God's will. Luke 9:23 tells us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." This is hard. It requires us to confront the societal norms and values that often prioritize self-sufficiency and independence. In a world that glorifies individualism and material success, embracing faith challenges us to acknowledge our limitations and embrace humility. By releasing the illusion of control, we open ourselves up to a greater sense of peace.

Choosing to have faith over fear is not easy. It can feel unnatural to ignore our emotions and give up control. Emotions, such as fear, serve a purpose and should not be disregarded. But, while it is important to pay attention to our thoughts and feelings for guidance, they should not dictate our actions. Fear, which can be overwhelming and stem from uncertainty, should not immobilize us. Instead of letting fear take hold, we are encouraged to turn to seek God for guidance. By seeking comfort in His presence, we gain the courage to confront our fears directly. It will not make sense to the world, but this is the very reason we should run at it with full force. To walk in faith is to walk in obedience. It is to align our will with God's divine plan, trusting in His sovereignty. Obedience is not a burden but a bridge to peace and fulfillment. As we surrender our desires at the foot of the cross, we pave the way for God's blessings to overflow in our lives. It is in this surrender that we discover the true essence of freedom- freedom from fear, doubt, and the burdens of the past. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.

When we began to struggle with our faith, it is important that we talk to God about it. God knows what we are going through and He knows how hard it is not to fully embrace your emotions. Even Jesus, the epitome of grace and divinity, was not immune to emotions. His tears for Lazarus were not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the depth of His love and empathy for humanity. In that moment of grief, Jesus showed that it is okay to feel deeply and express emotions openly. His tears were a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us can be moved by compassion and sorrow. He let Himself feel, but He did not allow Himself to be navigated by those feelings. Faith always has to come first.

In Numbers 14, the story of Caleb serves as a powerful reminder of unwavering faith and trust in God's promises. Despite the challenging tasks and obstacles that lay before him, Caleb chose to fix his gaze on the faithfulness and power of God rather than the seemingly insurmountable odds. His unwavering belief in God's ability to fulfill His promises sustained him through adversity and uncertainty. May we, like Caleb, choose to fix our eyes on the promises of God, knowing that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us.

Choosing faith over fear is a bold decision that leads to everlasting rewards. When we prioritize God's will above our own desires, turn to Him during difficult times, and faithfully follow His commands, we open the pathway to a life enriched with meaning and heavenly favor. Let us choose faith over fear, for in Him, we find true peace and everlasting joy.