FAITH CAPSULE: Allowing fear to reign instead of faith is the evidence of not focusing on God.

Matthew 14:22-33

Engaging fear will disengage faith in the life of a man. It is not possible for fear and faith to be in place at the same time. In any case where fear is allowed, faith will have no choice but to vacate itself. Whenever fear invades, confusion and making wrong destructive decisions prevails. Clearly, fear is not of God fear is an agent of the oldest liar; the chief thief, who is only interested in killing and destroying what the Lord has made. Jesus identifies the  difference between Him and the thief stating, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus has come, He brought all that gives life abundantly but ignorant has trapped so many by not taking to what Jesus brought. Are you an acclaimed believer who often subjects self to fear when faith should be in place? In the face of most challenge, allowing fear to reign instead of faith is the evidence of not focusing on God. However, not focusing on God is assuming the responsibility of confronting challenge. It is an indirect way of asking God to take off His hand of support; it is a state of lack of peace.
The Israelite’s attempt to cross the Red Sea was a terrifying situation. After having been free from the bondage of over four hundred years, Pharaoh and his men chased and close the Israelites up before the Red Sea. Fear took over the Israelites; there was no peace in their camp and they became restless. Evidently, the Israelites demonstrated lack of faith. Moses responded to the Israelites stating, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:13-14) Entertaining fear is terminating faith. Whenever fear occupies man’s heart, battle is shifted from getting help from God. Are you engaging fear in the face of insurmountable challenge? Give regard to God by engaging your heart in the testimonies of God’s goodness and mercy; know it that the enemy cannot be more powerful. Also, the same God who saw the Israelite through on a dry land in the middle of the Red Sea is always in place to deliver. In life, it does not matter the level of faith in the life of a believer, when fear is allowed to invade, faith will always fail to prevail.
As close as Peter was to Jesus, he allowed faith to sink when fear rose in him in the middle of storm. (Matthew 14:29-32)Have you given a place to fear inside of you? Is there any sign that you are sinking in the face of your challenges?

Prayer for today: Ask that every generating forces of fear be permanently denied in your life for the glory of God.