Growing 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 (NIV)

Have you heard some news that turns your world upside down? Perhaps you have heard that you face a horrifying illness that can take your life. Or maybe someone you love faces forces beyond their control. I have been in your shoes. I have known the fear that rises when you hear news like that. The report that tried to destroy me, but then ultimately healed me, came years ago when I was told I had a melanoma. Unable to handle the fear that was raging, I became convinced it would kill 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” (KJV).  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 the 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 as if drowning. “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” (NIV). This fear had to be addressed before I could even consider what was next. These two verses helped me tackle 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 to give my fear to God for what that day had to offer. His peace soon started to overcome the fear.

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 on this journey. ''Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers” (3 John 2, NKJV). Paul might have been speaking to Gaius, but in these words, God spoke straight to my heart. Above all things, God wished me to prosper and have health. “Even as my soul prospers” told me that with spiritual growth I would realize the faith to believe in His promise of healing.

One night the Lord reached down and set me free—from the fear and from cancer. Through the years my faith to believe I am safe in Him has grown stronger and stronger. I can rest in His love. Peace is a precious gift that I treasure. He guards my mind and my thoughts. This experience is not just for me. God does not regard one person as more special than another. What He has done for me, He will do for you. 

His power to win the war against your fear is available at all times. Fear can be defeated. Choose to believe Him, and His truth for your life. Claim it daily. Exercise what He has given—your mustard seed of faith. Faith grows with determination. When you are desperate enough, nothing stands in your way to seek Him. You can never ask too much of God. His provision is unending. He has made a way to deliver what is needed for your journey. You are His child, and He will not forsake you. He is in this for the long haul. And He will do as He says.

© 2019 Lynn Lacher

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