Fear and Faith

Faith is a strange thing. Trusting God isn’t straightforward. Perhaps it’s because we don’t trust
ourselves to make the right decisions or because we think God will punish us if we’re wrong, or
there’s that nagging doubt about whether God will even provide at all. These are the little fears that
follow faith around like an annoying cat, meowing for attention, climbing up your leg when you’re
cutting a slice of cheese.

I have had the opportunity to do some risky things over the years without knowing where provision
will come from - but always seeing God provide. Not always the way I anticipated. And sometimes
only just – but sometimes in abundance. How could I ever doubt when I have experienced God’s
miraculous intervention?

But I am always amazed that when God calls me to step out again and take a new risk, it’s like my
trust melts away. Like those things never happened. Faith is a muscle that must be exercised.

My dad sent me this…

“Fear feels dreadful. It sucks the life out of the soul, curls us into an embryonic state, and drains us
dry of contentment. When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our
god, we worship the risk-free life…… the fear-filled cannot love deeply. Love is risky. They cannot
give to the poor. Benevolence has no guarantee of return. The fear-filled cannot dream wildly. What
if their dreams sputter and fall from the sky? The worship of safety emasculates greatness. No
wonder Jesus wages such a war against fear.” Max Lucado.

What are you afraid of today? Where is God calling you to take risks and give him your safety?

“But seek first God’s kingdom and his way of life, then all these things will be given to you as well”
Matthew 6:33

Adam.