Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Reblogged November 22, 2019
We in Florida as other states on the East coast are breathing relief, we’re at the end of hurricane season.
No more spending hours monitoring the weather channel. No more dashing to get the last bottled water at the local store. And no more comments like this one:
“I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of these broadcasters. One minute we hear Dorian has lessened in its force. Next, we hear it’s heading our direction and we need to prepare. And then they tell us it’s coming but with less force. I’m fed up with the stress these people cause. Can’t’ they get anything straight?”
Forgive the cynicism, but her problem isn’t the hurricane. Her stress isn’t the uncertainty of the storm. It’s not even the danger that lurks. Her real problem is that she believed, trusted and counted on every word the weather forecasters said. And what they said dictated her frame of mind, attitude and determined her emotions.
Who can blame her? When facing danger, we all do the same—allow others to define our emotions. Sadly, hurricanes of life don’t have seasons. They come anytime. Some arrive with force. And others lurk around, stirring our anxiety.
You may be in an emotional hurricane right now. The winds of pain just increased and they are about to destroy your shelter of security.
But safety comes when we choose to trust in the One who forecasts our future. God, the only one who can hide us in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91).
Here’s a quiz to determine the level of your trust.
Jesus promises the rest we need in Matthew 11:28-29.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Do we believe that rest is ours and do we relax in that promise?
And when the storms drain our strength, in Isaiah 40:29-31 God promises:
“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Do we believe in that strength and, rather than walk like defeated chickens, do we soar like eagles?
And when we lack what we need, do we believe what God promises in Paul’s words in Philippians 4:19:
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Rather than lament what we don’t have do we believe we already possess His riches?
When fear attacks, God announces in Romans 8:37-39:
“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Are we counting on the world’s kind of security or relying in the safety of God’s love?
When life’s troubles become too much, God reassures in John 14:27:
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.
Do we walk through life troubled, or do we boldly speak His peace into our situation?
And finally, when God promises in Proverbs 1:33:
“…all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” Do we doubt in His protection because we cannot see? Or believe In His promise of His powerful protection?
Storms might rattle our security, hurricanes may blow winds of destruction, and earthquakes may shake our foundation, but if we believe in God’s announcement on the channel of His faithfulness, fear melts in the truth of each of His promises.
Let’s Pray
Father, how often I said You’re my lord, I believed in You, and I trusted in Your Word, yet subtle fear rose in me. I thank You for Your patience with me as I learn to embrace and declare that I truly, truly believe and trust in Your promises. In Jesus’ name.
Are you focusing on the dark side of your situation or counting on the power of God’s promises?
Janet
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Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
Old Things R New 
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