By Tami Sandlin
SCRIPTURE
2 Corinthians 5:7
I will walk by faith even when I cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
OBSERVATION
In these current days we are experiencing illness, loss of jobs, social distancing, lack of supplies, shortage of food, shortage of necessities and even death. This could lead to an overwhelming feeling of fear. As Christians, we need to remember that despite these outward circumstances the age-old mantras hold true: GOD IS GOOD! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! and GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Unexpected events happen in life. During uncertain times, we may struggle with having faith, wrestle with the truths of our faith, or even wonder if God hears us. If you have had these feelings, you may be concerned that God is upset with you for feeling that way. God does not get mad at us for temporary feelings of uncertainty. He hears you! He is beside you at all times! He knows the wilderness we are walking through as a church, as a family, and as individuals.
In Matthew 11:2-11 John the Baptist had doubts as he sat for over a year in Herod’s prison. In the depths of the jail cell and in the depths of his heart he questioned if Jesus was truly the Messiah. Jesus did not rebuke John because the Lord knew John’s heart. He simply called John to believe based on what John already had seen and heard before the doubts. He had seen Jesus heal the blind, deaf, and lame just as scripture had prophesied about the Messiah.
There will always be moments of uncertainty. During these times, remember the faithfulness of God in scripture, in your life, and even today. We trust Him to see us through these days even if we can’t see it ourselves.
OBEDIENCE
We must keep walking in faith and trust Him. Faith is a gift from our Father as stated in Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Oswald Chambers wrote “Faith by its very nature must be tested and the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character must be proven trustworthy in our own minds.” Our faith is being built up and becoming stronger as we are strengthened and reshaped because of our struggle.
FAITH CAN OVERCOME FEAR.
Psalm 34:4 states, “I sought the Lord and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
“Fear not” or some form of that phrase is stated 365 times in the Bible. This makes it evident that our Father does not want us to fear. Fear does not come from Him but rather from the enemy. We must cling to Jesus at all times.
Focus on the below acrostic to act as a reminder when you are experiencing fear:
For
Anything
I
Trust
Him
Versus
False
Expectations
Appearing
Real
Our Father will never leave us nor forsake us! —Deuteronomy 31:8
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we know that You are the Great Physician, Protector and our Shepherd. Thank You for Your constant protection and guidance. Thank You for always being in the wilderness with us. Please help us to have faith in You and remember that You are always in control and working good for us. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
