Cruel acts of terror.  Local crime.  Political corruption. People are hurting.  I have friends who are battling terminal diseases.  I know newborn babies who are only a few days old and dealing with serious health issues.  Through it all, God is reminding us to live in faith not fear.  

The night before I wrote this article, a mass shooter killed 18 people and injured dozens more in a shooting rampage in Lewiston, Maine.  I thought about those 18 poor souls who lost their lives, and I thought about their families.  They all woke up that morning without any idea how their day would end.

I also thought about several in our church family who are battling cancer and other terminal illnesses.  One day, you are feeling OK; the next, you receive shocking news.  Many in our church family have faced the loss of loved ones over this past year.  All this serves as a stark reminder that life is fragile. 

We cannot let the uncertainties of life paralyze us with fear, dread, and doubt.  What we can do is follow the advice of Corrie ten Boom and trust an unknown future to a known God.

Keeping a Faith Focus

Here are a few suggestions to keep your mind faithfully focused on our faithful God.

1.  Instead of focusing on how you feel, focus on what you know about God. – Read Romans 8:31-39.  Pray through that passage every day.  Better yet, memorize it.  Let it come to mind all throughout your day.

2.  Additionally, focus on what is instead of what might be.  We assume too much.  Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think on things that are true.  Even in the reality of a difficult situation, you can find truth to hang on to.  The rest of Philippians 4:8 challenges us to think on things that are also honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy.  Think about what you think about and choose to focus on TRUTH.  Come to think of it, that’s another good one to memorize.

3.  Finally, remember that no matter how difficult life on this side of eternity gets, Jesus promises to make all things new.  This light, momentary affliction is preparing for us a far greater eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).  We are resurrected with Jesus.  He who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal body as well (Romans 8:11).

One Final Truth

One other thing to remember.  We succeed based NOT on the strength of our faith, but on the strength of the OBJECT of our faith.  Even when we don’t believe as we should – when we misbelieve, He remains faithful to us.  (2 Timothy 2:13). 

For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:5, ESV