First, a few definitions I found in some notes while doing taxes digging out tax paperwork. Unfortunately, I don’t have an exact reference, but I would guess they came from a Bible Study several years back. Belief is mental acceptance of, or conviction in the truth or actuality of something; Faith goes beyond mental acceptance; believing what we can’t see, what is not tangible, and in some cases does not make sense. Faith does not rest on logical proof or material evidence; Fear is a feeling of anxiety.
My mom made a statement this last week that has continued to replay in my mind –“the faith it takes to not have fear and how we work that out in real life.” The thought stemmed from the story of King Hezekiah, in Chronicles. It took immense faith for him to stay faithful to God and not bow to the stronger countries surrounding Jerusalem. {It is a good series by Lynn Austin, Chronicles of the Kings. (I actually read them in ebook form on my nook.)} It really struck me because I don’t often think about not being fearful as being full of faith.
Based on the above definitions to not be fearful and be full of faith would be the same as – not allowing the feeling of anxiety and instead reaching beyond my mental acceptance of what I can’t see, is not tangible, doesn’t necessarily make sense, and doesn’t rest on logical proof or material evidence.
I took this picture yesterday and think it is a good representation of how life feels right now – feelings of anxiety {fear} because so much is looming bigger than life, and only a small portion is in focus.
What is in focus isn’t even what is immediately before me. However, because I know that what I can see clearly is only a small portion of the big picture{a beautiful picture, showing His Glory}, even though there isn’t tangible clarity just ahead, I can see and rest in the clarity just beyond.
{Faith} is evidenced in my knowing He will provide, He will protect, He does love me – that is clear. Abundantly clear. His provision, protection, and love is manifested with blessings as numerous as the grains of sand/crystals of snow {depending on your location and the season, :-D}.
Are you looking for the blessings He has given you, or have you tripped on fear?