#3 Faith

I have been searching for a blog this week but it has been difficult to focus on much other than the Israeli war. So much fear and sadness surround this war that it consumes most of my thoughts during moments of stillness. Fear is brought about by the potential for terrorism here at home. Fear is brought about by the terrifying situation both sides face moment by moment. Yet, more so, there is an overwhelming fear of the unknown. What is going to come of the war? How will it end? Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to answer those questions, but I do want to share how I deal with the bombardment of fearful thoughts.

Fear is one of those emotions that can be paralyzing in our lives. We’ve talked in previous posts about God’s command to “Fear Not”. In fact, it is the most repeated phrase in the Bible. If God feels it’s important enough to repeat 365 times, it sure must be important. So important that maybe, by repeating it the most, it is the command we should remember the most, trust the most, study the most, believe the most in times of trouble. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.

How do we live by this command, Fear Not? I think a good starting place is Ephesians chapter 6, versus 10-18.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirt, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18.

These are the tools God has given us for any and every situation we face that brings about fear. These are the tools in our toolbox of Faith.

-Belt of Truth: Standing firmly in your belief in Jesus as the true savior.

-Breastplate of Righteousness: By living a wholesome, righteous life, He gives us protection from unrighteousness.

-Shoes as the Gospel of Peace: Rest assured that when chaos ensues around us, we have peace with God because we have been saved by the Gospel of Jesus.

-Shield of Faith: We can stand behind our shield of faith trusting God to complete his plan.

-Helmet of Salvation: Our salvation in Jesus Christ was gifted to us when we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. This salvation cannot be lost.

-Sword of the Spirit: Which is the Word of God. Notice this is the only piece of armor that is a weapon. The word of God can be used to defeat the enemy every time. You can go to the Bible for any situation or circumstance and find answers. It is truly a living book. Begin reading it and watch it come to life for you.

I urge you, as I urge myself, to read and search the living word for answers today, in times of trouble, in times of praise, and always. God has given us the tools, it’s up to us to use them.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27