From Fear To Faith

I have decided to write about our ministry every Monday. "Ministry Monday's" ... reading that out loud i realize it is a bit lame, but hey, it is what it is! :)

Jimmy has preached multiple times, most of which were in a classroom setting, being critiqued by his peers. He has been preaching every Wednesday to the youth here in Becker, but yesterday..Yesterday was his day! Yesterday he preached his first Sunday morning! I am so proud of him and so thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful husband! The church is doing a series "Nothing is too hard for God" so Jimmy carried out his sermon following the series, his topic: Fear. I just want to touch on a few points from his message and would love for you to listen to it in it's entirety here!

Scripture: Matthew 14:26-33

Everyone has Fears, we are ALL afraid of something!

Good fear - reverence to God and his overwhelming presence. (Jeremiah 5:22)

Bad fear - fretting things God has told us He will protect us from or things that are out of our control! (Proverbs 3:25-26)

What is fear?

F- False

E- Evidence

A- Appearing

R- Real

False evidence appearing real. 

So, how do we go from fear to faith? How to we grow spiritually as a result of our fears?

1. ADMIT THEM!

(Matt. 14:26)

The disciples cried out in fear!

What are you afraid of? What is holding you back? What is keeping you from being fully alive?

2. TAKE THE RISK!

(Matt. 14:29)

Jesus said, "come". And Peter listened and stepped out of the boat and onto the water.

Spiritual growth happens when you trust God, and take a risk. It's not a walk in the park, it's tough. But it leads you to intimacy with our Lord and Savior! 

3. Expect the fear to Return

(Matt 14:30)

Peter got scared and began to sink.

This point is not fun. I think we all wish it was not true, but there is hope! You must...

4. EMBRACE THE PRESENCE OF GOD!

Even though Peter's fear had returned, Jesus had not left him. When he began to fear, Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out his hand to help Peter. You still need to take the risk, expecting your fear to return, but trusting in God that you will conquer! Jesus didn't let Peter sink and struggle, He IMMEDIATELY helped him. When we fail. When we fall. When we fear... God doesn't.

God's promise is this:

There is NOTHING that we cannot handle when He is on our side. 

NOTHING is too hard for God. 

Simple as that. 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

With a mind set on Jesus and worshiping our Creator, we run out of time to fear! Isn't that wonderful? Overcoming our fears is no easy task, but with God, all things are possible. Start today. Start with a new relationship with Christ or by more fully embracing the life you already have in Him. Give God your fears. Allow God in. Allow yourself to grow through your fears.