The "F" Words ------ Faith, Fact and Fear!

"And without faith it is impossible to please God..."Hebrews 11:6

Last week I had the pleasure of flying from my home state of Maryland to Norfolk, Virginia. "Why did you fly?" you may ask, "Besides, it's such a short drive!" The answer to that question and comment is two-fold. I did not want to get stuck in the notorious traffic backups due to construction and rush hour traffic, (the last time I drove to Virginia Beach it took 5 hours!!!) and more importantly I wanted to face a lingering fear head-on: the fear of flying in an airplane. I figured this was the perfect flight to do this, as it is a very short flight- about a total of 30-35 minutes in the air.

On the flight to Virginia, not too long after take-off, I pulled down the window shade! I had placed myself in the window seat to get a good view, but then I could not handle looking out of the window all the way down to the ground, especially when we felt turbulence. And being above the clouds? Ugh!

I thought to myself, feeling like this is absolutely ridiculous, but still I felt like pulling the shade down was the wisest thing for me to do at the time, otherwise, I'd need "the bag"! I managed to pull the shade up about 10 minutes before we landed. Man, was I ecstatic to be on the ground when we landed! I mean, REAL happy! But it's all good. God works everything out in us in His perfect time. Even through all of that, my behavior on this flight was much better than when I was on my last flight a couple of years ago...um, let's just say that it was not pretty!

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His purpose." Phillipians 2:13

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayers and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Phillipians 4:9

Man's facts state that statistically, we are more likely to be involved in a serious car accident than we are to be involved in an airplane accident. Statistically speaking, these facts state that the majority of accidents happen within a 5 mile radius of your home. I am not afraid to ride or drive in a car, so what was my problem? I guess I was still looking at man, not being able to trust in them- the pilots, the mechanics, the refuelers. But I had to remember that God is in control of them too! I am not, nor is anyone else, but God! God is in control of the whole world at all times. What about God's statement: The fact that He will never leave me or forsake me? Those statements are mind boggling, but true- factual!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

In faith, I say that I trust God with my life. After all, I say that I believe that He is in control. So just what was my problem? If I truly believe that God is in control of all things governing my life and the world around me, then there really is no reason for fear. Whatever God has for me is for me, and what is not for me, is not for me! It's as simple as that! Fear and anxiety on my part is not going to change a thing for the positive. If anything, I can help draw negative things to myself by dwelling on them.

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

"...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Phillipians 4:7

To make a long story short, I know within myself, without a shadow of doubt that my life is God's...in His hands, in His control. He knows what is best for me and my family. I had to learn to relinquish the position of trying to be in control, usurping God's job, and just trust....just trust....just trust, putting my faith to action. He's much better at controlling things than I could ever be.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...." Hebrews 12:2

This week on the flight home back to Maryland, by God's grace, I was a different person, praise God! I sat in my seat, and looked out the window, enjoying the beautiful sunset. I looked outside every chance I got when I was not reading. I felt peace and tranquility, resting in God's arms....even during the turbulence! I trusted in Him to deliver me to my family safely. I even envisioned angels flying outside with the plane escorting us. (Hey, before you smirk, who knows?!)

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philipians 4:7

But if God's plans were to differ from mine, then that would have to be okay too, because His plans are perfect.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways." Isaiah 55:8

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Besides, what can worry and anxiety change? If it is my time to go, then I'd rather go in faith, instead of fear. Wouldn't you? In the Eleventh chapter of Hebrews, it mentions people of great faith who remained steadfast in their faith, even though they died before receiving what they were believing in faith for.

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance..." Hebrews 11:13

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

When we landed, I had to fight hard to hold back tears of joy, as this really was a transformation in me that only God could have orchestrated. I was so happy to have reached this new level in my faith. God is so awesome, in how He deals with us! I am looking forward to my next flight!

To you, this fear may seem really dumb, foolish and irrational. To others flying is a real fear to them. Before you judge, just know that God sees your heart.

"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters." Romans 14:1

In what areas are you still harboring fear? Is it a fear of being laid off? Of being alone? Of being sick? Death of a loved one? Whatever it is, lay it at His feet. Don't carry that burden or fear around with you, letting it weigh you down anymore.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30

Wow. He's right there waiting for us to make that move to leave our burdens and fears to Him. Make that move and experience the peace of God...it's absolutely awesome!

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