A lot is happening in our land, and many things seem to have reached our very doorstep. There is pain in many ways, but it is not God’s intention to hurt you—it is His intention to heal you. There are moments when we ask God, “Why?” It’s okay to seek His purpose, but we must also be prepared for His answer. Let me be very honest: the greatest source of fear is often death. I have asked God, “Why?” many times, but He always knows what is best. Imagine if God gave you exactly what you desired, but it was not in its original form or state. Would you still accept it? Oftentimes, we must put aside our own thoughts, humble ourselves before God, and say, “Lord, let Your will be done.” His will must always prevail.
Trusting God’s Timing
When we pray, we must remember His permissive will. Sometimes, we ask for things that He has already given us in their best state, but because they don’t look the way we expected, we struggle to accept them. So, let me encourage you the best way I know how—have faith in God. Trust Him. He knows what is best. Even when we have tears in our eyes and pain in our hearts, God knows how to put us back together again. Don’t worry! Healing takes time. But taking time does not mean doing nothing—it means trusting the process.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” This waiting is not passive; it is an active trust in God’s timing and direction.
Faith Sees Beyond the Present
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Faith says, “It’s already done.” God is already on the other side of the finish line, waiting for you to break the tape.
Hope, on the other hand, acknowledges the starting point. Hope says, “I recognize where I am. I am at the starting line, ready and set.” But hope is not aimless. It focuses on the goal, adapts to the journey, and adjusts as needed.
Just as a runner prepares by choosing the right attire, shoes, and form, our journey of faith requires preparation. Sometimes, this means letting go of unnecessary burdens—whether it’s material possessions, toxic relationships, or bad habits. Hope acknowledges the process, while faith declares the victory is already secured. You may not be at the finish line yet, but run with the anticipation that you will get what you see.
Jesus in the Storm: A Lesson in Faith
Consider the story of Jesus and His disciples on the boat in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus said, “Let us pass over to the other side.” That means growth, promotion, and elevation. I declare in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ—you are being promoted!
But with every promotion, there is another side to cross. To get to the other side, you must go through something. The Bible says that after Jesus fed the multitudes, He sent the people away. There were other little ships on the water. These smaller boats were following the main ship. Remember, people are watching you. Some are weaker in faith than you are, and they are clinging to your strength.
As you climb higher, someone is hanging on to you. They may not be able to see as far as you can, but they are relying on your faith. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10-13).
That same day, a great storm arose. Again, that same day! The waves began to fill the ship, and yet—Jesus was sleeping on a pillow. A pillow! Jesus was resting while the storm raged.
What an example! Sometimes, we panic when we should be at peace. The disciples woke Him, crying out, “Master, don’t you care that we perish?”
How many times have we felt that way? “God, don’t you see what I’m going through?”
Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still.” And immediately, the storm ceased. Then He turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you so fearful? Where is your faith?”
Are You Full of Faith or Fear?
The presence of Jesus should have been enough for the disciples to rest in faith, but instead, they were overwhelmed by fear. Likewise, when we are saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit, we must not react as the world does.
Fear manifests in many forms:
- Fear of man
- Fear of authority
- Fear of failure
- Fear of rejection
- Fear of abandonment
- Fear of financial lack
- Fear of sickness
- Fear of being alone
Fear can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, addiction, and even sin. But the Word of God tells us:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear torments, but faith strengthens.
Faith Over Fear: A Life-Changing Choice
Fear can paralyze us, but faith mobilizes us.
Fear can make us feel abandoned, but faith reminds us that Jesus is on the boat with us.
Fear can make us doubt God’s promises, but faith declares that the promise is already fulfilled.
No matter what storm you are facing, remember: you are in the boat with Jesus. If He is with you, the storm cannot destroy you.
So, I ask you again: are you full of faith, or are you full of fear?
Conclusion: Keep Moving in Faith
As we conclude, let us remember that faith is not the absence of trials but the assurance that God is present in the midst of them. Faith does not ignore reality, but it refuses to be ruled by fear.
The Bible says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” No matter what you are facing, God is working on your behalf.
Choose faith over fear. Walk in confidence, knowing that the One who calmed the storm is the same One who holds your life in His hands.
Further Reading for Strengthening Faith
- “The Power of Faith” – Smith Wigglesworth
- “Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear” – Max Lucado
- “Faith That Moves Mountains” – Oral Roberts
- “Battlefield of the Mind” – Joyce Meyer
- “The Spirit of Fear” – Bishop T.D. Jakes
May your faith be greater than your fear, and may you walk boldly in the confidence of the Lord.
Leave a Reply