Something that has been stuck on me the past couple of weeks is the idea that we can move from Fear to Faith. These words have sat in my spirit, and I have been reminded of so many times in my life where faith has replaced fear.
Most people, including myself, can be afraid and weary of the new. New circumstances, new surroundings, new experiences all come with a degree of uncertainty. In fact, the older I get, the more I realize how much we tend to steer towards the familiar. I think of where we eat when we decide to go out for a meal. We have 5 go-to restaurants that we always seem to end up at. While driving to these restaurants we pass 10s if not 100s of other new options, but we are heading to our comfort, to our familiar. But how many wonderful experiences are we missing in heading towards the comfort. How many opportunities do we pass by because of our fear of the unknown?
The Lord has been showing me areas in my own life where faith has replaced fear:
It took faith to go to the altar for prayer – even though it was scary to come up front.
It took faith to raise hands in worship – even though it can feel scary (self-conscious) to do so.
It took faith to start tithing – even though it was scary to think that our finances would be short.
It took faith to hear the voice of God – what if I am hearing God wrong?
It took faith to step into ministry – all pastors are supposed to be poor!
It took faith to start a business – I have no idea what I am getting myself into.
It took faith to get married – Karyne is amazing. Now. Go ask her about her early married life.
It took faith to fall on my knees in prayer – casting fears and unknown to God.
Yet all the above are no longer scary, they are simply part of my life.
God has been speaking to me – what else do you fear? I will bring it to faith.
In our journey of life, we often think fear is the reason to stop. But in the Kingdom of God, fear can be the beginning of faith. Do not let fear stop you, let it propel you to embrace faith. Allow the Holy Spirit to move you forward. Don’t be afraid of what the Holy Spirit impresses on you.
As we earnestly ask the Lord to Increase Our Faith, let the Lord show us what fears need to be replaced with faith.