Faith Not Fear

I am an optimist. I am a perpetual optimist. In fact I say that my cup is not even half full, it is in the process of being filled! My wife has told me more than once, “could you please just be upset about something?!” What can I say, I have always been one to see the positive.

Last week I was texting with a friend who asked me to pray for his co-workers. He went on to explain that so many of them are anxious, scared, and  paranoid during this time. I am sure that you know people that feel the same way. Maybe you are experiencing those feelings now yourself. But it was his next comment that stopped me in my tracks. He said, “This is an opportunity for me to show faith not fear.” Wow! Let that comment sink in. Where those around him day in and day out are overcome with anxiety, fear, and paranoia he sees an opportunity to share his faith!

For those of you who have been able to watch any of our online prayer services at First Baptist Church of the Islands you know that one of my prayers during this time has been for God to give us gospel opportunities. This time of social distancing has indeed caused anxiety and fear in many, I am sure that you have talked with someone over these last weeks that is dealing with this. But in 1 Peter 3:15 we read, “If someone asks about the hope that you have as a believer be ready to explain it.”

When we accept Christ we are changed, we are a new creation. Peter says that those around us, the people we work with, the people we do life with, will notice the difference. That difference is hope. Hope that we will survive this storm. Hope that God has got it all in control. And even in the midst of a pandemic like we find ourselves in today, our hope shines through.

People are going to notice this hope, and they are going to curiously question how we can have hope in times like these. When my friend’s coworkers see the unwavering, non unexplainable hope that he walks through this struggle with they will not be able to help but ask for the reason of his hope. And I can gladly say that my friend will be ready to explain the reason for his hope: his faith in Christ!

Are you ready to explain the hope that you have? Are you walking through this pandemic with faith or fear? You don’t have to take another step in fear, because you have hope in what He has done for you. As we journey through this season of rest, spend time with God in His word and in prayer. Grow your faith and put your hope on display as you observe the rest!