"By Faith or Fear?"

  We hear it often. It's the religious thing to do. It's taught in our Bible studies, it's preached in our pulpits and it is written about who knows how many times. "Don't fear!" That's the way of life for the strong and those who have everything going well for them. Some live with broken homes, great illnesses that could lead to death, the loss of a child, unable able to find a job when looking diligently and financial ruin. These are real issues in life. What are we  to do with the words of Jesus: "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?"

  We seem to miss the reality of Jesus. Maybe our faith, what we call faith, isn't placed in Jesus where we trust and lean on Him with all our heart. Our fears run rampant and our thinking runs wild. The worst in a situation is always seen. We forget the Lord Jesus that He is Lord of heaven and earth. "But faith doesn't take away my mate walking out on me! Faith doesn't take away my sickness!" That's the point. It's not about something being taken away but who you trust to bring assurance and confidence within during a most difficult time. We embrace the problem rather than the Lord!

  How do we solve our fears? "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts..." (I Pet. 3:14-15a) People or situations can attack us. If we are fearful people to start with it becomes hard not to fear. But when things are going well, that's when one needs to be making progress working on their faith and trust in Jesus. When people or situations try to create fears and doubts in us, what is the solution? "Sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart!" You will sanctify (set apart) something when you face troubles. You will sanctify the problem or sanctify the Lord. Your heart must settle an issue who is going to be Lord! If you allow the problem to be Lord, you will open your life to fears. If you set apart Christ as Lord, He will bring His rule within. We need to learn to let Christ rule in the heart. Let Jesus have the final say in all matters!! He is Lord. When He walked on this earth, all He did was speak and it happened. Before His return to the Father, all authority in heaven and earth was given to Him. He rules! The question for us do we believe He rules? If we believe with all our heart He rules, sanctify Him in your heart. That eliminates any room for fear! Are we living by faith or fear?