Living By Faith: Fear or Faith - Monday Morning Summer Devotion Series - Week 2
Need to start at week 1? Start here
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10: 17
I love the study of the brain. I have read many different scientific studies which all conclude that anxiety and joy use the same neurological wave paths. Science says, you cannot be driven by anxiety and live in joy; our brains just won’t allow it. God’s word reinforces this and teaches us, in Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
We can make the same conclusion about faith and fear. In God’s word, He teaches us, or more truthfully commands us, to not live in fear. In Isaiah 43:1, we read, “Don't fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
So, the question we have to ask ourselves is not, how we will make it through this time of pandemic and quarantine, and social injustice and riots? But, how will we allow our faith to be developed and grown in this time of need? The problems of today present a distinct opportunity we will likely not be faced with again in our lifetimes.
Are we going to live in faith or in fear? Scripture continually shows us we have Father who listens, who cares, who has us in mind. Are we going to exercise our strength in prayer and bring our requests before the throne of Almighty God? Are we going to stand strong in the faith that we have been redeemed?
We are called by name! WE are HIS, and He is mine.
Heavenly Father, I desire to live life learning and growing in my faith day after day. I choose today to let my fear and anxiety to subside as I live in faith and with focus. Jesus, remove our fear and fill us with faith. Show us how faith wins today and every day! Amen.
Ben Maxson
Neah Bay, Washington