Many of you know that I am a “News Junkie”. My favorite channels to watch are CNN and HLN, because they help me stay aware of what is going on in the world. Unfortunately, it is hard to watch very long, these days, without being gripped with fear. With stories about ISIS, bombings, North Korea, the economy, crime and even natural disasters in the headlines day after day, the world seems to be in a continuous state of war and crisis. With all that is going on around us, how do we keep fear under control? Well, here is the answer in a nutshell: each day you have a choice of two paths to walk – faith or fear. Which path will you choose?
As Christians, we all need to know that fear has no place in our lives; it’s impossible to simultaneously trust God and not trust God at the same time. Said another way – you cannot both obey and disobey Him, because partial obedience is disobedience.
We have to come from the premise that God is Sovereign; and that He is in control of our lives. We also have to trust His Word, that He has good plans for us, and that He wants to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). One day, you may hear bad news, such as someone lost their job, and begin to allow that fear to creep into your mind. You can think, “If that person lost their job, I could lose mine too!” When you allow that thought to reign in your mind, instead of the thought that God is your source, then you can become defeated, and allow fear, instead of faith, to control you. If Satan can get you to think like this, he has won the battle for your mind.
Instead, take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), and focus on God’s good plan and promises rather than these circumstances. Keep reminding yourself whenever faced with challenges, “God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and a sound mind!” (2 Tim. 1:7). Trust me, if you do this, no matter the situation, you will always win!
It is a choice we all have to make each and every day – do we walk in fear or walk in faith? So today…. let’s all choose to walk in faith!
Blessings,
Pastor Keith
