The Pathway Of Faith

P r a c t i c a l L e s s o n s f o r U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e Wo r d o f G o d

The Pathway of Faith KEY PASSAGE: Isaiah 41:8-13 | SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Psalm 63:6; 103:19; 119:97-105, 126 | Isaiah 9:7 Matthew 6:31-33 | Luke 12:32 | John 14:16-17 | Acts 1:8 | Romans 8:28 | 2 Corinthians 11:24-25 Philippians 4:19 | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Hebrews 13:5

SUMMARY: When you and I focus on our circumstances, we can find reasons to be fearful. We might worry about losing our jobs, or homes, or retirement savings. It’s natural to feel concerned when the economy is suffering. But should a believer allow his or her life to be controlled by fear? No. We may have moments of anxiety, but you and I should trust in our sovereign God, not in our circumstances. The truth is, every follower of Jesus Christ can choose to walk in faith rather than in fear. Our relationship with the Lord gives us the ability to face hardship confident in His provision and care. As God’s children, we can rest in His promise that our heavenly Father will supply all we need.

SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES: Fear does not fit who we are as children of God. In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord gives a powerful promise to His people:“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul wrote:“God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” If fear prevents you from resting at night or hinders your obedience, you are not demonstrating trust in Him. Genuine faith and overwhelming fear are incompatible.

Fear affects a person in many different ways. It . . . ■

Causes confusion. A fearful person will have a difficult time thinking clearly.

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Contributes to indecision. When someone is afraid of making a mistake, he or she often delays making any choice at all.

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Hinders us from achieving what God wants us to accomplish. A fearful person loses opportunities because he or she expects failure.

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Damages self-confidence. Frightened people can seem insecure and incompetent because they doubt their ability to succeed.

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Affects our relationships.

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Can lead to full-blown panic.

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Sometimes drives people to a lifestyle of drug and alcohol abuse.

God does not want us to walk in fear. Jesus reassured His followers that they didn’t have to worry about food, drink, and clothing (Matt. 6:31-33). Although the Bible does talk about the importance of fearing God, that does not mean we are supposed to cower in terror because of His holiness. Instead, it means we are to revere the Lord and stand in awe of Him. Only those who have not accepted the gift of salvation or who are walking in deliberate rebellion against Him have a legitimate reason to fear God.

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What is the pathway of faith? Focus on the Lord, not the source of your fears. When you and I dwell on our problems, we lose perspective. Instead, we must choose to think about God’s absolute sovereignty over everything (Ps. 103:19). Although life doesn’t always go as we planned or dreamed, nothing happens outside of His control. Romans 8:28 says, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” If you and I are living godly lives, the Lord is going to turn everything for our ultimate good. Disappointments may come, but they don’t have to make us discouraged. If we live in obedience to God, He will bless us with His perfect plan for our lives.

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Face your moments of doubt and fear by asking the following questions. 1) Where are these doubts coming from? Because God says He did not give us a spirit of fear, we know they can not be coming from Him. 2) Has God ever failed me in the past? You may be facing a difficult situation, but remind yourself of those times when the Lord provided for you. 3) Does the Father not promise to meet all my needs? Philippians 4:19 says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” The Bible is full of stories demonstrating how the Lord provided for His people when they walked in obedience and faith. 4) Did God not give me the Holy Spirit to enable me to do whatever He requires of me? You and I can have the power, provision, and guidance of the Holy Spirit just as the New Testament saints did (Acts 1:8). 5) Did He not promise to be with me at all times? If you have trusted Jesus as your personal Savior, you can never be alone again. Christ promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). 6) Is anything too hard for God? No. Boldly express your confidence and trust in the Lord. 7) Is this a fork in the road where my unbelief could cost me a lifetime of regret? When you are a facing a major decision, be especially careful to act in faith, rather than fear. ■

Feed on God’s Word. Believers are constantly bombarded with worldly lies that distort our perspective and contribute to our fears. That’s why you and I must constantly renew our minds with the Word of God (Ps. 119:97-105). We have a relationship with the Lord that cancels all our fears (Is. 41:10) and the promise that the Holy Spirit will be our Helper (John 14:16-17). God loves you; allow the Bible to guide and comfort you in times of uncertainty. ■

Forge ahead, no matter what people say. Sometimes, others become envious when they see you prospering as a result of obedience. They may try to discourage you from stepping out in faith, so be careful to reject ungodly advice. And don’t allow adversity to dampen your enthusiasm for following God. The apostle Paul faced beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, hunger and thirst, sleepless nights, exposure to cold, and many other hardships (2 Cor. 11:24-25). But despite those difficulties, he didn’t stop serving the Lord. ■

Faithfully and courageously choose to obey God. When we are committed to following Jesus, you and I have nothing to fear. Obeying the Lord brings blessing, and we have His promise that He will use even adversity for our good. ■

CONCLUSION: When you and I focus on our circumstances, we can find many reasons to feel afraid. But that is not God’s will for His people. Psalm 103:19 says,“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” No matter what happens, our heavenly Father is completely in control. He can take the most devastating situations and turn them into blessings. And as believers, you and I have the assurance that God is always with us. We never need to fear because He strengthens and helps us in every situation.

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