Fearless Faith and Awestruck Joy-Part 1
Throughout the scripture we hear God’s commands to fear not and to rejoice, as though we can command our most base emotions. Fear rises suddenly within our chest when we gaze into an unknown future. Sometimes injury, pain, illness, financial loss, or our own failure suddenly takes charge and it would seem our whole world crumbles in around us. Sorrow grips our heart and steals any thread of joy when we lose a loved one, when we watch our own children face trials, when we are left to pick up the pieces of broken relationships, and when we come face to face with our own failures. So, how can God command us to fear not and to rejoice!! Instead of a command, I believe it is His cheering us onward.
God knows what we have to face and He repeats these words to lead us onward. “Fear not—I am here. Rejoice, I am your joy. Look up—I love you and I am right here with you.” “One more step child, one more mile,” He urges us onward. Just as a baby learns to walk, one step more or the runner reaches for the finish line-one more minute to run; God is there urging us forward. He is cheering us onward with, “Fear not! Rejoice!”
Truly it is not so much a command as it is a plea. God is concerned with our joy. God desires that our faith be strong so that we can delight in Him. He knows that we can never feel the exuberance of running across that finish line, if we have never first learned to walk. So, it is His love that draws us to a closer relationship with Him. He is the one who sees the finished tapestry of our life.
I do not know where you are along this journey toward fearless faith and awestruck joy. Paul wrote to the Philippian church, “having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:25-26). Paul felt it was of utter importance to teach believers how to find the joy in their faith in the midst of very difficult times. He had found that joy and that fearlessness. He wanted to teach others how God’s joy could fill their hearts to overflowing even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He knew that when we know the depth of God’s love and the magnificence of His Glorious Sovereignty, fear and sorrow will fade away. Look at these words to the Corinthian church, “For all the promises of God in him (Christ Jesus) are Yea, and are in [af]him Amen, unto the glory of God through [ag]us. 21 [ah]And it is God which established us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us. 22 Who hath also sealed us, and hath given the [ai]earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul,…24 [al]Not that we have dominion over your faith, but we are helpers of your[am]joy: for by faith ye stand” (I Corinthians 1:GNV). In Christ, all things are “Yes, Amen”.
My life has lead me through many trials, great sorrows and a lot of brokenness of heart. There has not been an end to the trials that present before me even now; yet, God in His Gracious Mercy has steadily, gently, and patiently taught me of His Wondrous Love in the midst of this earth’s trials. It is with great humility that I reach out my hand to you and say, “Let me be a helper of your joy in your faith.” I want to take us on a journey through scripture, exploring the lives of many of the patriarchs of faith. I believe this journey will help you to learn just a little more what fearless faith and awestruck joy looks like. It is a journey that is well worth the walk. When finished, I believe that your life “Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:11-12).
My desire for your heart is that it is aglow with these two things-
1. Fearless Faith
2. Awestruck Joy
Let me leave you with this song I wrote several years ago, The Master Weaver
1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects and to discuss pricing.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.