Extraordinary Faith

I am embarking on a season of extraordinary faith. I have decided to follow the voice of God…to do what He’s called me to do. But, I must admit that this journey will not be easy. As I prepare to step out in faith, I do so knowing the fear that I will have to face. Because whether we like it or not…

Fear is a natural response to the unknown. 

Walking by faith is often associated with being fearless. In fact, I once believed that the presence of fear canceled out my faith, but that isn't true at all. We serve a God that understands us. He knows how we think. He knows we don’t have the courage or the strength to face our battles on our own. That is why He encourages us over and over again in His word...

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The Lord repeatedly tells us not to be afraid because He knows we will be. But in the midst of our feelings of fear, He wants us to remember His presence. He wants us to find our strength in Him. 

Extraordinary faith isn't faith without fear. Extraordinary faith is faith in the midst of fear. 

Contrary to common belief, we can have faith even when we feel fear. You see, faith is simply trusting God enough to follow His instructions…regardless of how we feel…regardless of whether we are anxious or afraid…regardless of whether or not we feel qualified. 

Extraordinary faith magnifies God above fear. 

I may feel the fear of the unknown, but I serve a God that is bigger. He is greater than my feelings. He is greater than my apprehension. He is greater than the uncertainty that I face. Even when I don’t know what to do, He does. And I believe that He will guide me, and give me the ability to do what He’s called me to do. 

We can see examples of extraordinary faith all throughout the bible…

When I think of extraordinary faith, I think of how afraid Abraham must have been to sacrifice his miracle child on the altar. When I think of extraordinary faith, I think of how Moses faced his fears as he led the Hebrews to freedom. When I think of extraordinary faith, I think of how Esther put her life on the line to save her people. When I think of extraordinary faith, I think of how Gideon led 300 men into battle knowing he was unqualified…knowing they were of little strength. When I think of extraordinary faith, I think of our Savior as he grieved in the garden of gethsemane. 

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26:38‭-‬39‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Jesus, the perfecter of our faith, showed us exactly what it means to walk in extraordinary faith. It’s not that we won’t be afraid..it’s not that we won’t desire another way. It’s simply saying, “Lord, I don’t like this, but I want your will to be done and not my own.”

You can still have extraordinary faith.

Even if you feel inadequate…even if you are unprepared…even if you are afraid. You can decide to magnify the Lord above it all. Remember when you are weak, He is strong. 

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

The Lord wants to be strong in your life. 

He wants to give you peace when you are anxious.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‭-‬7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

He wants to give you courage when you are afraid. 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

He wants to give you wisdom when you don’t understand. 

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (‭‭James‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

He wants to give you direction when you’re overwhelmed and confused. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5‭-‬6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

You aren’t supposed to have it all. You aren’t supposed to know it all. You are supposed to lean on Him for everything. So allow Him to walk this journey with you. Allow him to give you faith beyond your fears…an extraordinary faith. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me, and thank you for creating me for a purpose. Today, I have been reminded that you alone are my strength. You are my guide, and you are the only one that can give me the ability to do what you have called me to do. So today, I have decided to put all of my hope in you. When I am afraid, I will allow you to give me courage. When I am anxious, I will allow you to give me peace. When I am overwhelmed, I will allow you to give me strength. I have decided that I will no longer allow my fears to prevent me from walking in purpose. I will do what you have called me to do. I will be who you have called me to be. And I trust that as I continue to walk in faith, you will lead me to the place that you have prepared for me. I love you, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.