Faith Over Fearনমুনা

‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Prayer can be defined as heartfelt communication with God. It is an invitation to approach God, as formally or informally as we desire. Sometimes, we might not receive answers to all our prayers immediately, but we must wait for them. God has planned big things for our lives, and he will do even greater things among us. As we wait for answers, there may be fear and doubts in us. In those times, we should trust him and have faith in him. This is essential in our Christian walk.

At the age of 17, I had many different dreams and purposes for my future. I was confused and at this time had important decisions to make that would affect the direction of my life. I prayed for those dreams and purposes. And I waited.

In this time of waiting, I felt that God was not listening to my prayers. I had expected that he would be with me in my hard times, yet I often felt so alone. My fear continued as I didn’t know what my future was going to be or what I was going to do. Sometimes, in my uncertainty, I doubted myself. I realise now that even in my waiting, in my anxiety, doubt and fear, God was with me and silently doing his great work within me.

I continued to pray because I knew that God had a plan for my life and he knew what was going to happen next. I shared with some of my spiritual role models, and as I opened his Word, God continued to talk to me through Scripture. In waiting, I learnt about patience in a new way, that God carries out his plan within us, not at the time we desire, but at the time that is right and best. And when we wait for him with faith, he answers us.

I waited for two years to receive an answer. Honestly, two years felt like a very long time for me and waiting so long for God’s answer was difficult. But in my waiting, I learnt to trust him more. To have faith that he would answer me. And he did. The answer came and I made my decision. You may also be facing a time of waiting like this, or you may face it in the future. In those times, remember to stay connected with God and trust his good work. Having faith in God, our Protector and Guide, can reduce fear in those situations of unknown. May God’s guidance be with you today and tomorrow.

What can you do to stay closely connected to God in times of waiting, in moments when it can be easy or tempting to walk away rather than lean in?

Father, help me to stay close to you when I’m waiting. Teach me to trust in your timing and not rush ahead. Keep my heart connected to you and fill me with peace as I wait on your perfect plan. Amen.