Dying to LiveSample

Dying to Fear - Living by Faith (Part 2 of 2) So, how can we increase faith to help conquer our fears? Romans 10:17 NKJV says that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” As we learn more about God, our eyes are opened to how He is working in our lives and strengthening our faith. God wants a relationship with us. He desires us to know Him and completely rely on His direction in our lives. By hearing, reading, and meditating in the Scriptures, we begin to experience a strong, confident faith that rejects worry and fear. This is our secret place. Spending intimate time in prayer and quiet study develops a relationship with our heavenly Father that sees us through even our darkest nights. The Bible is also clear that our faith is matured and strengthened through trials. Like it or not, adversity is God’s most effective tool to develop a strong faith. But we do not go through trials or fearful situations alone. He promises to be with you. To never leave or abandon you. (Deut. 31:6) As we learn to obey God’s Word and allow it to saturate our thoughts, we find each trial becomes a stepping stone to increasing our faith. His faithfulness that sustained you in the past will strengthen, carry, and uphold you in the future. The scripture is rich with promises that we can claim for ourselves to help us take hold of our fears as we develop our faith. Here are a few to keep in mind: ·  Financial trouble? … See Phil 4:19, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." ·  Rejection?... See Rom 8:31, "If God is for us who can be against us!" ·  Personal fear?...  See Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." ·  Fear about the future?... See Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." The list goes on and on. The Scripture is full of His promises. Begin to memorize His promises. This is your solid ground. Even though we will continue to face various trials, God assures us that we can know a calm peace through every situation: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7 NIV). Ponder: How can I develop my faith through a closer relationship with the Lord? Do I recognize lies and truth as the scripture defines? How can I trust Him more in this area? Prayer: Lord, I want to know you more intimately so that I can trust You more. I want Your truths to be my truth. Help shine a light on the limiting lies and fears that can overwhelm me.