Choosing Faith
By Alexis A. Goring
Several months ago, God placed it on my heart to choose faith instead of resorting to fear as I try to handle everything by myself.
It’s exhausting to think that we are single-handedly responsible for fixing every problem and surviving the curveballs life throws at us. God has been working with me on this concept for a few years, starting on a metro ride home from work. I was silently worrying about how I would survive a situation that was troubling my heart, and as I looked out the window at the scenery and setting sun, God spoke to me with these words, “You act like you don’t have a God.”
Mic drop! God was exactly right! I was acting like an orphan when I’m a princess of the Eternal King. All who follow Jesus Christ learn that we are children of God, adopted into His Royal Family when we confess our faith and give our hearts to Him. Living for God isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Following Christ doesn’t mean that all of our problems and pain disappear. However, God walks with us through all of our trials and He helps us survive tribulations. Jesus Christ said in John 16:33 (NIV), “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Often, we become overwhelmed with the woes of this sin-filled world and feel weighed down by our own personal pain. It’s a daily struggle for me, but I am reminded to keep my focus on Heaven because that’s our true home as believers in God. The Bible says that we are only passing through this world. We are strangers here because our citizenship is in Heaven (Hebrews 11:13-15,1 Peter 2:11).
According to the Bible Exposition Commentary, “Christians are not citizens of planet earth. We are just passing through. We are citizens of heaven.” What does it mean to be a citizen of Heaven? I believe it means we shouldn’t get too comfy here on Earth because this place is not our home. It’s easy to build our dreams here and be consumed with worldly cares so much that we forget that we’re headed for an eternity with God. As our world becomes crazier and less predictable, it is important to remember that God is in control and that Jesus Christ will return to take us home. Only then will we be completely at peace and in comfort.
I think that if we can remember these eternal truths and God’s promises, then our journey on earth will be easier to bear. Trying to face the giants in this world on our own is truly impossible and that effort will defeat us every single time. We may encounter many challenges, such as not making enough money to cover our living expenses, being diagnosed with a debilitating disease, or dealing a coworker who does not have your best interest at heart. However, when we worship a God who makes a way where there seems to be no way, it opens our eyes. We need to remember that our God is a Way Maker who parted the Red Sea, making a way for the Israelites to walk through to the other side on dry ground. He is a Miracle Worker as evidenced throughout the Bible, especially in the four Gospels where we can read about all of the people who God healed. He is Promise Keeper. The Bible says God is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23:19). That means He keeps all of His promises. Jesus Christ is our Light in this dark world. He wants us to remember that we are not alone and we never will be because God is making a way for us. We need to trust Him to work everything out for our good while we keep living for Him.
The next time I’m faced with an insurmountable obstacle or when worry tries to weigh on me, I resolve to speak out my faith and choose to trust God instead of my fears. God already knows what we’re going to face before it happens, so I choose to trust and lean on Him. I’m working on going to God as my first resource, not my last resort. And instead of saying “What am I going to do about this?” I will say, “I trust God to carry me through this and make a way for me.”
What will you say?
I’d like to share the song “Way Maker” (the live concert version) by Sinach.
God bless you.
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
