From the Pulpit: Faith not fear

A five-pound weight is not that difficult to carry. I can lift it up over my head, pump up my bicep muscles with countless curls, and even toss it around a bit. If I hold it straight out in front of me for an extend amount of time, I do experience a burn and eventually that five-pound weight becomes too much for me to keep in the air. It’s just five pounds! But it gets heavier over time.

We can all manage the weight for a while. But over time that same weight gets heavier and heavier. The issues of the last couple of years have felt like that five-pound weight. “I can manage this.” “I got this.” “It’s just for a season.” However, we have had to hold it for too long and we are starting to have doubts that we can endure. 

Are you doubting if God can handle what is going on in your life? Maybe you’re doubting if God will help with what you are struggling with. There is a difference between CAN and WILL. God CAN and sometimes God WILL. Believing God can help is an issue of faith. Believing if God will is an issue of discernment.

In Mark chapter 9, when Jesus is approached by a father of a child that is about die and says, “if you CAN, have compassion on us.” Jesus responds with, “If I CAN! All things are possible for one who believes.” The father immediately responds with, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus heals the child, and we learn an important lesson about facing our fears and doubts. We have a God that will show up and help.

In Psalm 50:15, the Psalmist speaks as from God’s perspective saying, “And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Trusting in the promises of God is what will give us the steadfastness to face the trials of our time in faith instead of fear.