Faith or Fear???

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV)

What do you do when darkness surrounds you making it impossible to see? When circumstances press against you so hard you feel as if you can't breathe? When despair feels like your daily bread  and hope is no where in sight?

Let's face it! Giants are real. Our Goliath may be sickness, bills, broken relationships. Our Goliath may come in the form of rejection, fear, or insignificance.

Regardless of our age, gender, or size...the truth is...we all face a Goliath at one point or another. So, how about it? How do we defeat Him? How do we step forward when our GIANT shouts impossibilities and inferiority?

Let me get really transparent...I face Goliaths every day. Some days I triumph victoriously and evade getting caught up in his tactics of fear...other days...I'm not so lucky. I lose focus. I feel like retreating. I fall pray to fear and wonder how, when, and why.

So, what separates victorious living from fearful living? Here are a few thoughts that help me align my life with God and avoid the trappings of fear. (I'd love for you to share your own thoughts; leave your comments below:

1. Faith sees the promise fulfilled. Fear sees the problem. (Which consumes your thinking?)
2. Faith focuses on God. Fear focuses on the obstacle. (Which are you focusing on today?)
3. Faith rests in God's provision. Fear relies on self-sufficiency. (Which are you relying on?)
4. Faith trusts in God's character. Fear questions how, when, why? (Who do you really believe God to be? Is He really Your Father. Do you trust His love? Do you believe in His goodness regardless of your circumstances?)
5. Faith waits patiently knowing God will do all He has promised. Fear attempts to cause things to happen in self-timing. (Are you willing to wait for God? Friend, God is good. We can rest in His timing knowing He will never leave us and will always fulfill His promises.)
6. Faith surrenders to God's power and plans. Fear is the result of self made plans and will. (Oh, OUCH! Lord, help me release my agenda for Yours.)
7. Faith aligns life with God's wisdom and promise. Fear aligns life with self-thoughts and conventional wisdom. (Lord, Help us to hear Your voice and know Your will!)

I think it's important to note, that FAITH is NOT conjuring up some NOBLE notion and saying Here I go Lord, now bless. Instead, Faith is hearing God's voice, knowing what He has promised, and then aligning our life with that truth.

Have other thoughts that might help those reading? Leave your comments below.