Finding Faith

If you’ve ever sat a test or exam, you have experienced the nervous, unsettled atmosphere that fills the room because of the uncertainty that lies ahead.  Yet it seems that no matter how much we prepare or even how old we get - fear can trap us in situations that are unknown or new.

Growing up as a twin - I did so many activities and experiences with my brother right by my side, so I always had someone to share the new, scary experience with. However, in some ways this also meant that I was VERY aware when I had to do something by myself (I literally still say 'we' out of habit). I still remember during a church conference when we were about 8, Matt wasn’t feeling well and I had to attend by myself. I distinctly remember my parents having to force me to go and walking into a room of people I didn’t know -so scared.

I felt so alone and seemed to lose all faith in my ability to make conversations and friends. I was uncomfortable and uncertain because I wasn't nearly as outgoing and funny as my brother was. It took me a while to learn that acting in faith is a choice, it's not always an automatic response. Those people that are confident and outgoing in unfamiliar environments are nervous and afraid too but they choose to not let fear rule their actions.

And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him.
Hebrews 11:6

I had to learn that by me being shy and nervous when approaching people or a situation, is already me coming into agreement with the disappointment that could occur. Now, I make a conscious effort to approach the situation with the expectation that the result is going to be good - not naively- but in faith that God will order my steps and that he will never fail me!

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you
James 4:8

We often let our experience, our personality or the circumstance dictate whether we should have faith or not -but we forget who our Heavenly Father is! Sure people may think, 'you must be so outgoing and confident' to be so bold and passionate - but honestly I would much rather be at the back of the room, by myself, reading a book! BUT that's not going to make a difference to the people around me - is it? It's not going to show everyone how amazing, kind, loving and courageous my God is! 

Yes, God created us all differently and he doesn't expect us all to be charismatic evangelical preachers! But you need to have confidence in who God created you to be and be willing to step out of your comfort zone if it means that God will get the glory!!

Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:22-23

It can be hard to have faith, it's not easy to be vulnerable and believe in what you can't always see. BUT I've found that just simply opening your heart, laying down your plans and giving over control to him -God will be right there in an instant! Just like when Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water. Even if we stumble -all we need is that 'tiny mustard seed faith' and God will be right there to catch us when we fall!

So even though everyone tells you - you have the 'right' to be afraid or nervous - remember one important thing- you have God on your side and he will never fail you. So choose to have FAITH!!!