Like a great chasm an expanse is drawn,
polar opposites separated as east from west –
faith and fear.
Which will we choose?
This is a decision that will influence every other direction!
Will we live a life of faith or be crippled by fear?
When all is “going well”, confidence and assurance floods our thoughts and brighten our steps. However, when real obstacles loom before us and the ground shakes beneath our feet, what then is our response? I’m talking about those events that threaten to dismantle:
the terminal or incurable
the impenetrable
a key relationship shattered
financial decimation
all-hope-gone kind of events.
Where To Go?
Where do we go at times like these? Then what do we do?
“We are certainly not those
who are held back by fear and perish;
we are among those who have faith and experience true life.”
Hebrews 10:39 (PT)
God is looking for those who will fix their eyes on Him and trust Him at all times, in all seasons and through all circumstances. Faith requires one to reach beyond self. And that is the real problem! Humanity, by nature, is most self-reliant. Breaking this inert tendency requires consistent and persistent effort, which really is at the heart of faith.
[bctt tweet=”Faith requires one to reach beyond self” username=”MAWardAuthor”]
Joshua is commanded to hamstring all the horses and burn all the chariots of the enemy kingdoms he conquered. Why? Because God knew it wouldn’t be long before they would forget about the supernatural victories they won through faith and begin to trust in man-made remedies and solutions. And true enough, just a couple of chapters later we see the people paralyzed by fear. As they recognized the strength of their enemy’s military might. their personal faith felt minuscule.
Faith or Fear?
What was Joshua’s response? He looked the facts in the face, threw his shoulders back and replied,
“…though they are strong, you can…”
(Josh 17:18)
That is exactly what faith declares! You can! With God you can! Through Him it is possible! When the impossible seems large, The One who makes all things possible is greater! You can!
You will know when fear is present because it will always hold you back and make you want to retreat. ALWAYS! The result will consistently be death instead of life:
death of hopes and dreams
of relationships
and promotions
death of joy and peace
the list is endless…
But! That little equalizing word! But “we are among those who have faith and experience true life!” We are! Right now, we are! Not maybe some day we will be! We are!
Mustard Seeds Wanted
Jesus said all we need is a mustard seed sized faith. Then nothing will be impossible! (Matt 17:20) I can’t tell you how reassured I am in that statement! Mustard seeds are very small. As a matter of fact, I have one taped above my workstation as a daily reminder of just how small one is. When we are on a life-journey with Jesus
who is for us and with us,
whose promises toward us will never fail,
and His purposes for our lives never waver,
He is uninfluenced by times or situations,
whose declaration over us is, “You can!”
Then mustard seeds are enough;
then even small faith does
what nothing else can do!
He speaks, “You can!“
The tiniest of faith will always draw us to drink deeply from richer, fuller life – true life!
If the choice between faith or fear is the question, my personal answer will not be fear! I’ve lived long enough on that shaky side. Today I set out with a pocket of mustard seeds anxious to see what kind of life will spring forth.
Faith, at least for me, is the best choice – the only way! How about you? Will you choose to test it out, grab a little seed and see what might happen?
Prayer for Today
Lord Jesus, may my eyes not wander from your beauty,
your power,
your majesty,
and your goodness,
for as I look to You faith stirs,
invites,
hopes,
endures,
transforms,
until I live and walk in the expression of
true and full life
where all fear is displaced by genuine faith.
_______________
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