Faith and fear...

Faith and fear, do these words have anything in common? If you look at each word separately, they appear to be very different...but are they?

Fear: As a verb it means: 1. to have a reverent awe of God. 2. to be afraid of 3.to be apprehensive.
As a noun: 1. an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by expectation or awareness of danger. 2. anxious concern 3. profound reverence especially toward God.

Faith: 1.allegiance to duty or a person. 2. belief and trust in God 3.complete trust. 4. a system of religious beliefs.

You can see that both definitions use God in their description. In the fear description it is used twice. Why is that? I think because we all have fear, and we all have faith. Each of us carries around a little of each every day.

Some people think that having faith is only a Christian objective. I think faith is an unseen secret we all have access to, just as fear is an emotion we all feel at different times throughout our lives.

When you walk in fear you are not trusting God, and when your faith is intact, you are able to walk through the fear. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is not. They really do go hand in hand.

Faith and fear are companions of sorts. They use the same energy, both good and bad. Fear can cripple us, faith can set us free. I was surprised how these two words seem so symbiotic.

Use your imagination for a moment and entertain the word fear and what is conjures up in you? Does it mean the inability to move forward, maybe a physical fear that pain may result in walking through your fear? That is all is your own imagination. You only imagine what may happen, you aren't certain?

Faith used in your imagination can bring up feelings of uncertainly, being fearful of the unknown, yet allowing our faith to carry us through is getting through the fear. Faith can bring you comfort, hope and a sense of peace that dispels your fears.

When this world becomes a fearful place, give me faith. When uncertainty and doubt creeps into my imagination give me faith. In every aspect of my life, Lord, and in every circumstance, give me faith so I may walk through my fear.

Faith and fear use the same imagination...Gerri Galiffa

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

Miracles...

I love this picture of the sky and the radiant light shining through the clouds. I think heaven might be right beyond the purple haze.

I have been thinking about miracles that have occurred in my life over the past few days, and wanted to share a few thoughts about how people view miracles, or indeed if they believe in them at all?

A miracle is defined as an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. Also, an unusual event, thing, or accomplishment.

We live in a time of miracles, yet many people think they have an answer as to why something happens or does not. Cynics may call it logic, I would call it a miracle.

Do you believe in miracles?  I have believed in miracles all my life. I have had too many close encounters to think I just have good luck!!

We see miracles unfold everyday. A newborn baby, a stunning sunrise or sunset,the amazing works of nature and its many unanswered splendors. We witness physical and emotional healing and personal success, we witness unmerited favor, and wonder why some get more than others?

We all hear the stories, you have to be at the right place at the right time, then good things happen, or if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time bad things will happen.  But I have never thought that luck or a certain timing was part of the deal. I believe there is a purpose for everything in its own time. Wouldn't it be lovely if we could control time and outcomes, but we cannot. So we must continue to believe.

If you take note of an unusual occurrence or event, and you can't explain it away through logic and or reason, you might want to call it a miracle. What else could it be? Not everything that occurs in life has a concrete explanation.

It would be so sad to live in a world of absolutes, I like it when life surprises me, I like it when something unexplainable happens.  It increases my faith, my own personal belief in God, and it reminds me to  continue to dream my dreams and believe in the impossible.

Because we are imperfect human beings, we sometimes place limitations on God. But, God's power has no limitations. God will work miracles in our lives in we continue to trust Him.

I think if you look around in your own life today, you might find a small miracle...you need only to open your eyes, your ears, and your heart. The miracle in front of you may be you.

We have a God who delights in impossibilities...Andrew Murray

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples...Psalm 77:14 NIV