FAITH OVER FEAR

 

TEXT: HABAKKUK 2:2-3

Introduction

We are in a time/era where people are deafened by the noise of events, happening all around them, even unwary Christians now cower to the “reality” based on the reports on news, politics, diseases, economy, etc. in other words, fear is the order of the day.

Fear is an unpleasant feeling, triggered by the perception of danger – real or imagined. It is a primitive human emotion (natural). It encompasses biochemical and emotional responses. It affects your entire being. Num. 13: 33

We as Christians are reminded today of our calling to the true reality of things, the fact that we control events, news, politics, diseases, the economy, etc. and not the other way around. How can we do this? Faith. Heb. 11:1.

How do I overcome fear with faith?

-         Listen. Gen. 12:1, Gen 15:1: Who is ordering your steps, society or God? We need directions from God alone. God speaks to us through his word and/or the Holy Spirit.

-         Write. Hab. 2:2: No matter how ridiculous the plan or instruction is, write it down. “The faintest ink is better than the best memory. Pray over your list. 

-         Go. Isa. 41:10, Jer. 1:8, Gen. 12:4: Once you are certain of who sent you, move! You need no justification or approval from man. Do not rationalize, procrastinate, or partially obey. He has given you a direction and His presence, do not dawdle. Faith is useless without works. Jam. 2:18-26

-         Review. Hab. 2:2: Although God is always with us, we can never “get used” to his anointing. We, therefore, need to commit our prayers and desires (written) at every step and listen for the next instruction. Remind yourself of his instructions and promises (check back with him).

Conclusion. James 4:2-3

Irrespective of what is going on out there, we as Christians should tune our ears and hearts to what God is saying (not only on what he said), his truth, note them down, believe and meditate on them, and go to work.

God always shows up, as long as your faith is unwavering.

God bless you.

TYPICAL MONDAY MORNING

 

Woke up after a weekend spent on the sick bed, nearly late for work, grandma in the kitchen all bright and early, wifey just finding her bearings after a restless night.

I pack up my work bag and sit for devotion with the family, mini me is still fast asleep. I go to lay out my clothes for the day, wifey is almost ready for work, my phone rings: there was a delivery overnight, baby needs special attention. I give directions on management, end the call and walk into the bathroom while I see wifey fully dressed and ready to set out. Mini me still fast asleep.

While washing up, I hear grandma calling for us to come have breakfast. Wifey is packed and ready to go but I’m still drying up, pleading for her to spare a few minutes so I can drop her off. She decides to set off with the probability that I pick her up before she gets public transportation.

Finally, I’m ready for work, food packed, bag on shoulder, keys in hand. I say my goodbyes to grandma and mini me (still sleeping) and walk to the car. I start the engine and drive out at 8:05AM.

I pick up wifey close by just as she is about to get on the public vehicle, drop her off part ways to work and head to mine.

I enter the hospital to attend to both mother and child in the ward, after which I conclude they’d benefit from specialists’ review. The child is seen and management is going on well. I find myself in the procedure room assisting the specialist fix a cervical laceration. While I am on that, another emergency is brought in, severely ill from an ongoing asthmatic attack, the husband raining fire on all across his path, the MD calms him down and attends to the patient.

I’m out of the procedure room, attend to a number of patients waiting and finally I get a break to sit and eat my packed breakfast. 

It’s 11:40AM.

 *THEME: HELP FROM ABOVE*
*TOPIC: DO I NEED HELP?*
*INTRODUCTION*
It is said that “no man is an island” and no one is meant to through life alone. From the beginning of creation, God said, “it is not good for man to be alone” and after all the responsibility of naming the creatures and dominion was given to man, God went on to say, “I will make him a helper comparable to him”. Gen. 2:18 (NKJV). This has been the default design of human, we need help. But in what aspect of life do we need help and why is there a need for help?
As we look further into the theme: Help from above, with the background of “the true helper”, I pray we will access divine help in Jesus name, Amen.

*WHERE DO I NEED HELP?*
*In spiritual matters*: We need spiritual strength. Prov. 18:10, Ps. 9:9-10, Isa. 41:40, Ps. 34:10b, Ex. 15:2
In the Christian race: Amos 4:11, Amos 5:4
Spiritual help gives us:
-Rest and peace of mind: Ps. 32:7-8, Isa. 26:3-4, Deut. 31:8, Phil. 4:6
-Hope: Isa. 43:1-3, Ps. 145:18-19, Heb. 4:16
*In physical matters*:
-Help for healing: 1Pet.5:10, James 5:14-15, Matt. 8:1-3, Matt. 9:20-22. We call on Jesus for our healing, we call on our spiritual leaders to intercede for us when we need healing.
-Help for provision: Gal. 6:2. Everyone at one point or the other needs assistance. We go through varying sizes of obstacles and we need help.
- *In mental/emotional matters*: Many of us go through anxiety and depression from life’s burdens. They can be overwhelming but the right help at the right time can give relief. God’s help can come in the form of a counsellor, a friend or an inspiration. We have assurance that no evil report can stand compared to God’s plan for us. John 8:44, 2Cor.10:5.

*WHY SHOULD I ASK FOR HELP?*
When you find yourself backed into a corner, that precarious feeling of overwhelm tends to take over. Some of us find it difficult to ask for help, partly because we don’t know we need help.
-Asking for help breaks down walls: There are interpersonal and intrapersonal walls. The latter exists solely within our minds and are the hardest to crumble. They are invisible walls erected in our minds to protect our inner selves. Asking for help causes those walls to crumble. Many valued and lasting relationships are formed from those two words: *help me*.
-Asking for help solicits compassion: Don’t be afraid to tell the true story of what’s happening in your life because there are true/sincere helpers out there looking for who to help. Understand that it is okay to feel less perfect at times. No one is truly perfect and a helper, even God, is drawn to our needs when we are open/authentic about it and suppress our ego and façade of self-sufficiency. (Why help someone who shows he doesn’t need help?)
-Asking for help creates connection – explain
-Asking for help compels contribution
-Asking for help invites solace: The human mind processes up to 60,000 thoughts per day, some thoughts are repeated and negative. This internal turmoil creates a scarcity of mindset and attracts negative things into our lives. *“Think and you shall become”*. But when you ask for help, it gives you peace of mind and solace in those dark hours. No one is going to criticize you for asking for help, if they do, shame on them, not you. God will never ridicule us when we sincerely ask for his help.

*HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?*
In Jesus name: John 14:13-14
In righteousness: 1John 1:9
In humility: Admit your inadequacy.
In sincerity: be specific
In wisdom: James 1:5
In respect
In trust
In patience
In consideration: Timing is everything when asking from man
Finally, *Give help!* Be a helper in whatever capacity you can.

*QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION:*
-Do I really need help? Yes or No, explain reasons
-What do I need help with?
-Do I deserve to be helped and what qualifies me for help?
-Why have I not received the help I seek?
-What do I do while waiting for help?
-“Heaven helps those who help themselves” – What is the position of Christians on this statement?

*IN CONCLUSION*
We need help in every aspect of our lives, whether we know it or not. Help brings accelerated accomplishment (Law of synergy 1 + 1 = > 2). When we humble ourselves and ask God for help, he puts his resources at our disposal and sends a helper – you are also a helper to someone.
Don’t be afraid/ashamed to ask for help, let others in, let God in. Reveal the true story, relay the struggles no matter if it is mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, relationship or anything, ask for help.
You will receive help from above today in Jesus name. Amen.