Faith Over Fear Equals Obedience

Scripture: II Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Everyone fears something. It is so natural to fear, but it should not control one’s life. The entire world has been under the strain of the corona virus for the past six months, and our patience is tested. For we have been tested times  before with polio, diphtheria, flu strains, SARS,  and here we are again. Today, Science professionals and medical individuals are laboring to come up with enough testing supplies, and occupational safety equipment  for hospitals and clinics, and panic shopping has impacted our fear. A mandatory nationwide quarantine has caused businesses to shut their doors, which affected the economy with loss of income for many.  Every aspect of human life is being affected.  Believers, are you just going to give up and wait for the death angel? Your walk before the pandemic should have reflected, the Lord’s will, plan and promises for our lives, walking by faith and not by sight.  Are we so paralyzed with fear that our faith has failed?

Perhaps it is easy to focus on the elephant in the room and eventually sink under the thought of his weight and size. “ Things will change if we but shift our focus from our circumstances” (Tony Evans -sermon 8/29/20).  A good place to start is repent of wrong doings; begin to make things right with God, seek the Lord in a time of fear by focusing on the Lord Himself. For, David said,  (Ps. 34:4) “I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”  pray without ceasing (I Thess.5:17), engage intercessory prayers, for fervent  prayers avails much (James 5:16c), pray with faith, knowing that God has all power and He loves us. Praise your heavenly father for His faithfulness and direction. David says, (Ps. 34:1b), “His praise shall continually be in my mouth,”  be steadfast in witnessing, read God’s Word to hear Him speak to you. Jesus wants you to keep your eyes upon Him. (I Pet. 5:7) “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. He never stops caring.  We worship a Savior who understands our circumstances. Jer. 29:11 tells us that the Lord, “has a plan for our lives that we may have a future and hope. He oversees us when we step out on faith , thus blindsiding fear. In the equation of life, faith cancels out fear with obedience. The Psalmist (David) said, “When I am afraid, I trust Him (Ps 56:3-4).”

Prayer: Lord, You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Things happen on this earth and even to Your people, who are made in Your image. Yet You Lord are still in control. Your love for me is demonstrated in Your protection, Your provision and Your caring hands day by day. In His Name, Amen.    

(by Novella D. Carpenter)