Day 2: Faith in the Dark

“There’s a monster under my bed!”

Has a child ever woken you with this terrified cry? Maybe you were once that child.

As we grow up, the monsters under the bed fade away. But the monsters in our head grow even stronger. We can end up living in ongoing fear of the enemies that might attack us and the evil that could befall us.

We all face our share of fears. Honestly, there is a lot to be afraid of in this uncertain world. We’ve all got something that keeps us tossing and turning at night.

What’s the answer, then?

Embrace a faith in God that is big enough and honest enough to make space for trials and tragedies, not just for triumphs. No matter what happens — whether we live or die, win or lose, succeed or fail — God is in charge, and he can be trusted (Romans 8:38-39).

We’re going to face some tough things in life. None of them can break our relationship with God. Even if our worst fears come true, we can still count on God’s love and presence. Isn’t that what faith is all about? A childlike trust in the love of God?

When you learn to live with faith in God, death and loss lose their power. Faith enables you to face any threat, any bad news, or any fear without being overwhelmed. Let faith define your life, and it will walk you through your death experiences unscathed. Don’t just give it credit for the victories — let it carry you through failure, disappointment, and hurt too. That’s when it is at its best.

Yes, the worst might happen. No, your miracle might not take place on this side of heaven. Yes, there are some difficult days ahead.

But you don’t have to be afraid. Faith opens your eyes to the God who surrounds you with arms of love and armies of protection.