Worry, Fear, and Faith

Over the weekend my husband took our 7 year old son out fishing for the first time. They had all kinds of snacks, drinks, lures, poles, and their life jackets. I had no doubt they would be fine and enjoy the peace and beauty of God's creation. Our daughter on the other hand started to worry, "Mom, what if they fall out of the boat and they drowned?" Several times she said things like this and each time I assured her they are perfectly fine. It soon became late in the day and I hadn't heard from my husband. The small seed of worry that came from my daughter's mouth started to take root. That's when the Holy Spirit spoke to me.


"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. " 1 Peter 5:7 AMP 

Have you ever noticed how a seed of worry can sprout into fear? I saw this coming that day. First we start out by worrying, "Well I could take him out on the boat but something terrible could happen. What if...?" Constantly worrying about things in life can hinder you and those around you from living the life God wants us to experience. I believe allowing worry to take root in our hearts causes something of greater consequence to grow-Fear. But know that it is not God's desire for us to live this way. 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Once fear has free reign in our lives it can completely consume us. We can become afraid of people, driving, flying, afraid of allowing the unknown (even if good) to come near. This is not the life I want to live nor do I want my kids to live a life of worry and fear. God has so much more! Again, life will not always be easy. We will have problems and trials and mountains to climb. But God! 

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33 (AMP)

I love that no matter what comes my way (worry, fear, loss, pain, insert yours here) Jesus overcame it all!

We come to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior through faith. We must believe that He is real; He died for our sins and that He has indeed risen from the dead. If we have faith to believe this is true, how can we not have faith to believe He will take care of us in every aspect of life? 

"And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" Mark 4:40

This is what Jesus said to the men on the ship after He calmed the wind and sea but sometimes I can hear Him saying this to me. How can we strengthen our faith in God? 

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

Read your Bible! It is the Word of God! Read about people who had faith, read about people who trusted in God. Read books written on the topic you need a boost in. These are also great tools.

When I notice worry sneaking in I stop and say "NO! God is in control! Not me!" I place every thought, worry, and care into His more then capable hands. 

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I challenge you to change your way of thinking, your way of living. Decide now, that from this day forward, you will not live a life of worry or fear but a life of steadfast faith! I believe in you! I believe that God will hold you up and the Holy Spirit will help you achieve this. Trust in Jesus! He only wants the best for you!

Be blessed today and know that God is always with you!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6