The Faith Factor!

People talk about "the fear factor" that is experienced by most everyone. The unknown is feared. Falling from heights is feared. Catastrophic events and serious illness are often feared. Though "the fear factor" is pushed by some, for others it keeps them from parachuting from planes or bungie-jumping from bridges and other such activities.

But what about the FAITH factor? Fear and FAITH each have the ability to impact the other. Fear can weaken FAITH, while FAITH can diminish and ultimately eliminate fear. It makes a huge difference where we have rested our focus in how we go about our daily lives.

Jesus tried to sway the focus of the disciples away from fear to FAITH when He urged. . .
"Let not your hearts be troubled. BELIEVE IN GOD; BELIEVE ALSO IN ME." ( John 14:1 ESV)

Though they would wonder as the events of the next few days unfolded, Jesus encouraged them that there was a future in store for them. What they would witness was not the end either for Him or for them.

I recently came across the following contrast between fear and FAITH. "Fear imprisons, FAITH liberates. Fear paralyzes, FAITH empowers. Fear disheartens, FAITH encourages. Fear sickens, FAITH heals. Fear makes useless, FAITH makes serviceable. Most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while FAITH rejoices in its God." [Henry Emerson Fosdick]

Again and again Jesus encouraged away from fear. With Simon Peter it was away from fear and toward a work to be given him. ( Luke 5:10) With Jairus is was away from fear and to just BELIEVE in what Jesus would do. ( Luke 8:50) To others it was away from fear and toward understanding their value in the eyes of God ( Luke 12:7) and the kingdom they would be given. ( Luke 12:32) When the disciples feared in the storm Jesus urged them away from fear and toward GREATER FAITH. ( Matt. 8:26) These are just a few of the many examples from Scripture where we find expressions such as "fear not" or "do not be afraid." The desire of God is for us to be released from being held captive by fear so that we can be free to live in joyful expectation of the true life He brings. It is FAITH fully focused on Him that makes such living possible.

A couple days ago my daily calendar had this prayer: "Dear Father, I will try to look forward to the changes in my life without fear. I know You will lead me safely through every path. Amen." May we continue to focus on the assurances God has given as we develop a GREATER FAITH that motivates living to His glory and crowds out life's fears.

Have a great day MARKED BY AN EVER GROWING FAITH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Faith