FAITH OVER FEAR
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Mt. 1:20-21
I can only imagine the weight that Joseph was being asked to carry. Not only was his new wife already pregnant with a child that was not his own, but this child would be the Messiah?! He had every reason to leave this overwhelming situation, but because of his faith in God, he chose to remain with Mary.
I can’t count how many times I’ve been too afraid to face a challenge, because it’s happened so often – it’s countless. Fear is something that, regretfully, I know all too well. It’s become such a large part of my life that I’ve often denied myself the opportunity to experience new things or be successful because my fear of failure or rejection overtook my longing for happiness and growth and moreover, kept me from truly living out God’s purpose for me…whatever that is.
Over the last year, I’ve gone back and forth on quitting my job and doing photography full time. I’ve heard and read every success story of people leaving their Monday-Friday jobs to pursue their passions, and it all sounds so inspirational and so easy, but it’s not. I actually like my full-time job. So going over the pros and cons of quitting have been difficult, and for a very long time, my prayers were riddled with desperation for an answer. Any answer would do. “Please God – just tell me what you want me to do.”
I was afraid to trust myself to make a decision, and in not trusting myself, I was also not trusting God. That’s what fear is – the opposite of faith. My fear of making the wrong decision kept me from making any decision at all. Slowly I realized that it doesn’t matter what choice I make, as long as I place my faith in God to guide me after.
When my prayers are less desperate lamentations, and more listening, God’s voice is that much clearer: I love you. I trust you. Please trust Me.
What is keeping you from placing your trust in God?
Anna Gonda