I’ve been thinking about faith lately. With all the things happening in the world these days, I am grateful to know Christ. But even more so, I am thankful I can put my faith in Christ! I think about those who don’t have a relationship with God. Outside of Christ, people have faith, hope, and love but their version is shakable, measurable, flimsy, and can be overcome by fear. There is no rest for their souls. Only in Christ do we have this rest and reassurance that all is not lost and God is with us in all things.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
Faith, hope, and love that comes from Christ separate us from the world. This faith we have in God – it shines brightly through the darkness in the world. It gives us peace; the world does not have peace. When people see Christians worshipping, praying, resting their lives in the hands of an unseen God, it stands out! People may have faith in different things like their job, their education, their government, their religion, their health, their family but when those things fail them – they are lost. Where is their hope?
Even if we as Christians lose our way, we know where to go when disaster strikes!
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
When people don’t have faith in God, to lose control is to lose peace.
When people put their faith in God, to lose control is to find peace.
For our faith is in God, in His nature, His promise, His word, His love, His goodness, His Sovereignty, His good purpose, and all that is the essence of God. We trust He is in control when we are not in control. It is He who does not fail, and faith in this unchanging God is the only thing that will survive the tests and trials of this world.
Faith also gives us rest in the midst of life.
Hebrews 4:2-3 says, “For good news came to us just as to them but the message they heard did not benefit them because they were not united BY FAITH with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest.”
Our faith actually puts us in a state of constant, internal rest. How was it that Jesus could sleep through the storm while His disciples panicked and were overcome by fear? They awoke Him, and He asked them this: Where is your faith? Why are you so afraid? Jesus was not worried, He knew His Father was in control. His faith outweighed the circumstance. It’s astounding.
The world does not know how to rest in the storm because they do not have faith in the one who is in control of the storm!
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Princesses, personally I want my faith to be so strong in God, that I am at rest during any storm. Lately, I’ve asked God to help me to have more faith in Him. I believe but Lord, help my unbelief!
Below, I’ve written some honest questions I’ve been asking myself and I am sharing them because I think they can help you too:
- Where is the home of my faith? In God or in my ability?
- Do I come across as a woman of faith or fear?
- What’s been causing me anxiety lately and why am I not trusting God with it?
- Am I putting more faith in my expectations or in His perfect way?
- Do I truly believe God has all things under control?
Reveal to us our hearts, O Lord. Show us what we need to do to walk in a higher level of faith. What do we need to surrender to you? Help us to know your faithfulness, to build our lives upon your truth and love, to trust in your plan. If at any time we lost trust or faith in You because Your ways were painful, we didn’t understand your purpose, or the outcome was so disappointing to our expectations… forgive us, Father. Who are we to judge You? Lord, we desire unshakable faith in You. We desire to be a light in this world so others may come to rest in You. Help us to boast in the faith we have, to the hope we have, and the love we have in God. Help us to live unashamed, but fearless, knowing without a doubt Your faithfulness will not fail us. You will not fail us. We love you, Jesus. In your name, I pray, Amen.
Princesses, faith is not something to be taken for granted, but a powerful gift from God in this world. I sometimes strive to rest and find peace, but it’s as simple as putting my faith in Him and choosing to believe in His word. It’s so easy. When I choose to trust Him, my soul enters into His rest. For all those who are weary and pressured in this life, God invites you today to give these things to Him, to rest in Him and take this faith as a gift for your soul. He is with you. You no longer need to be afraid.
You are loved.
From my heart to yours,
Katya