Faith or Fear?

If you will not believe,

Surely you shall not be established Isaiah 7:9

In this particular passage of scripture God is warning the King Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah that if he doesn't believe that God is going to protect him and that his enemy will not defeat him, that will eventually be what happens! 

God commanded Isaiah to say these words;
Tell him to stop worrying. Tell him he doesn’t need to fear the fierce anger of those two burned-out embers,... Isaiah 7

We know that Ahaz didn't truly believe in the words that God spoke and in fact turned to man to be rescued. 

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me.”

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasuries of the king’s house, and sent it as a present to the king of Assyria.

God commands us in the same way, to stop worrying, and fearing. 


His unbelief resulted in fear, taking matters into his own hands, going to someone else for help, unfaithfulness, confusion, betrayal, and sinful actions. 

In contrast what does trust look like? Peace, patience, ability to do the will of God, confidence, loyalty, faithfulness, hope, and obedience. 

God wants us to be confident because he gives us direction, safety, protection, he works on our behalf, is deeply committed to us, knows all our needs, and he equips us with everything that we need. God has it all worked out. 

When we pray to God and seek God's will in different areas of our lives we need to believe that He is hearing us and will answer our prayer. He may answer today, tomorrow, or next year but when we are trusting in his timing and his sovereignty we can have peace. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.. James 1:5-7

Someone who doubts is like a wave of the sea.. This is a great picture because you know how many stories in the Bible that talk about storms, the sea, waves? Many Many stories, and most of them involve times of testing, turmoil, disturbance, and distress. This is pretty much what we can expect when we doubt the words of God. 

Fight the Good Fight

18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.1 Timothy 1:18-20

In other bible translations the underlined word keeping is also described as clinging, holding, hold firmly, keeping a firm grip on..etc. 

Are you experiencing turmoil, worry, fear, etc..? These are signs of an internal battle, but God wants to give you peace and he has the answer. Seek him and expect him to speak.

Be around others who will encourage you in the faith. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Blessings!