Fear vs. Faith

I have to admit I have a fear of car accidents. I can become preoccupied with thoughts of them. I picture being in one with my family often...the fear intensifies just before a trip.  On any given Monday, I can spend hours worrying about Troy as he drives to and from Orlando to teach at Florida Christian College.  I know that my fear is irrational and maybe borders obsessive.  Beyond that, I believe it is sin.  Luke 12:22 specifically tells us not to worry...and that is not the only place in Scripture we are commanded not to worry. In chapter 41 of Isaiah, he tells us three times not to fear. (My favorite is Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.") I want to not be afraid...but that is easier said than done.  Maybe you have a fear like mine.
I have a beautiful, brave friend who has been teaching me about God since we were in college. We met when I went to a Bible study she led in her dorm room. We served together on the leadership team for InterVarsity at USF. She was my first real accountability partner and is one of my favorite people. God has blessed me by bringing us back together after moves, babies, mission trips and ministries. Our kids are becoming close friends now.

Jessica found out in October that she has melanoma. She had surgery soon after the diagnosis and all of the cancer was removed. (Praise God!) Due to the aggressive nature of melanoma, she will be in treatment for the forseeable future. She has her first drug infusion today as part of a research study at Moffitt that has proven effective in stage 4 patients. Talk about fear.
We had lunch not long ago, and I asked her how she and her husband, Jeremy, are doing...not the facebook status answer but how was she really doing. I have been thinking about her answer ever since.  She honestly said that in the beginning neither of them were doing very well. Jeremy changed, though, after they told their four precious children. He became resolved, determined, faith-filled. She said he was patient with her as she struggled...for awhile. Then one day, he confronted her. Jeremy told her she was telling people that she trusted Jesus but that he did not see that reflected in her life. (Yikes! Back off, buddy!) She responded that she was trying to have faith and not think about the very real things that could be in her future. Jeremy told her that's not faith. Faith is trusting Jesus in every circumstance...it's thinking about those things that she feared like death but trusting Jesus would care for her kids or Jesus would sustain Jeremy if that happened. Faith is knowing He is good in all circumstances...not just the outcomes we want but also those we are afraid to consider. Jessica said it took her a few days of wrestling with God but now she can say she is not afraid. She trusts Jesus. She has peace about what He is doing or will do in her life. She has faith.
I want to have a faith that drives out fear. Knowing, understanding, believing in the goodness of Christ no matter what the circumstance...whether my worst fear happens or not, having a faith strong enough to trust Jesus. I am going to keep praying for safety while driving, but I chose to believe that Jesus good even if an accident should take place. He is faithful to drive out our fear if we surrender it to Him.


 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4


There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18


Have a great week!
Kelly