Faith Over FearSample

Nothing is impossible for God.

This is what Gabriel says to Mary when sharing the news about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, a pregnancy that is unexpected because of her age.

These words are echoed by Jesus in Matthew 19:26 (NIV): ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’

I have treasured this Bible verse in my heart. Our knowledge of who God is and what he can do helps us to overcome fears in our lives. When I know who God is, there is nothing to be afraid of, because for him all things are possible!

When I was a little child, I lost my favourite teddy bear just before bedtime. When I had looked all over to find it, I ended up in a desperate prayer to God. My prayer sounded like this: ‘If you help me now, I will do whatever you want me to and I will thank you my whole life.’ Big words from such a small child, but I trusted God with my little child heart and he heard my prayer every time.

It may seem like a nice little story, but I have, like Mary, kept this story in my heart, and God reminds me sometimes of the promise I made to him. Later in life, he called me to be an officer in The Salvation Army, and although I still occasionally ‘walk on water’ with a faith like Peter’s, sometimes afraid, God reminds me not to fear but to trust that he’s always there for me. Whatever he calls me to do, I respond: ‘I will do whatever you want me to do!’

What difference does it make in my life when I put all my trust in God?

Heavenly Father, I thank you for taking care of me, even when I’m afraid and don’t know what to do. I will, like Mary, surrender my life in your hands once again. Amen.