I have come to the last entry in my series on fear, and this
exercise has been a great blessing to me. I’ve been able to rethink my own
ideology and habits, and I’ve received feedback that these posts have helped
others. Thanks for the encouragement to keep things going. Without further ado,
let’s get into the topic of placing your faith above your fear.
First, let’s define
faith. You may know it as a belief in something for which there is no proof, a commitment
to God’s teaching or a strong belief in something or someone. I like to define
it as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of
things not seen. Yes, I took that straight from the Bible (Hebrews
11:1). For me, this definition has exemplified the process of believing in
something even when everything else says, “There’s no way that can happen.”
I used to believe I had strong faith until
it was truly, and I mean truly, tested. I’m talking about the kind of test that
has you praying on your knees day in and day out, crying ‘til there are no more
tears, angry in your waiting, wanting with all of your being to get it right
and seeing nothing but what’s wrong. I’m also talking about that point when all
that’s left is your weary, battered and humbled self. When you’ve been tested
like that and you can still hear that voice that tells you to keep going, then you’ve
truly experienced faith.
I challenge you to tap into that faith and
place it above fear. Hold onto that pole during the storm and say, “I won’t let
go!” Remember what you’re working toward and stop looking back—your fear is
there and it’s waiting for your return, but your faith is right next to you. Your
faith wants to wrap its arms around you and take you to the next step where hope
is waiting. So keep walking.
Shellie
shelliemsaunders.com