A Greater Faith

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

Have you heard some bad news–news that turns your world upside down? Perhaps you have heard that you face a horrifying illness that has the possibility to take your life. Or maybe someone you love faces forces beyond their human control. I have been in your shoes. I know the fear that rises when you hear news like that. It claims your heart and mind. As fear consumed my life, I was convinced it was going to destroy me before any cancer.

The Word became my life. I needed help and answers, and I believed with all my heart I could find them in the Word. I discovered 2 Timothy 1:7. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” God had not given me this “spirit” of fear, but one of power, one of love, and one of a sound mind. This fear, of course, was not from him, and greater still, He had given me power to overcome it. The promise was that it was possible to know His love, and have a mind free from torment. How could I discover that power and peace?

It was at this time I discovered Philippians 4:6-7. I had read these verses before, but now I clung to them like a drowning woman. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. The fear had to be addressed before I could even consider what was next. There two verses helped me address this fear on a daily basis. I believed what they told me, and I wanted to know His peace through what was coming in my life. Every day they helped me give my fear to God for what that day had to offer. His peace soon started to overcome the fear.

I wanted to believe Him for the greatest promise. I wanted to have greater faith to believe that this illness would be conquered. And then I found a verse that revealed to me my responsibility in this journey. ''Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2, KJV). John might have been speaking to Gaius, but in these words, God was speaking straight to my heart. Above all things, God wished me to prosper and have health. “Even as my soul prospered” or “even as I grew spiritually” told me that with spiritual growth I would realize the faith to believe in His promise.

His power to handle your battle against your fear is available at all times. Seek Him, and His truth for your life in His Word. Claim it, and use it daily. His power, His strength, His faithfulness, His consistency, His balance-it is all yours to exercise everyday. You can never ask too much of God. His provision is unending for each moment you face. He has made a way to provide exactly what is needed for your journey. You are His child, and He will not forsake you or leave you. Seek Him, and you are never alone.