Hi Friend,
Have you been feeling a little beat up lately over the constant influx of discouraging new reports, fearful of how long this pandemic will last and whether or not you have enough toilet paper? As I’ve been scrolling through the various news outlets and social media posts I am reminded of the verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that says,
“…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
I don’t know about you but when I forget to take thoughts of fear and anxiety captive, they can take me down a path at breakneck speed where God has not intended me to go. And somehow in the process, I seem to forget who God is and who I am in Him. And I end up exhausted and out of gas on the side of the road.
We are living in a time that is unprecedented and there is no greater time than now to fuel up on some fresh faith. These trials give us an opportunity for an increased dependency upon God, a maturing of our faith, and ways in which we can be salt and light in this world that desperately needs the hope of Jesus. But what do we do when the fuel in our faith tank is low or completely empty?
I don’t know about you but when I’m low on fuel I need to remind myself to go to the source and fill up. That source for me is God and His Word. There is a verse in Romans 8:21 that says,
“…being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He promised.”
This verse is such a good reminder, that when things are out of our control or seem humanly impossible, God is in control and nothing is impossible for Him. Faith does not refuse to face reality but looks beyond all difficulties to God and His promises.
Nothing can thwart the promises and plans of God. Period. This should give us a great deal of encouragement, strength, and peace. Whether it be a trial, a test, or some sort of suffering, God is not caught off guard or surprised. He has the “power to do what He promised.” His love for you is measureless. His eyes are locked on you and His storehouse of provisions is in abundant supply.
If your faith tank is a little low here are some practical ways to re-fuel with some fresh faith during this time of uncertainty. Remember God is just a prayer away and He is willing and able to empower you to focus your mind on the right things and you can keep motoring along.
3 practical ways to fuel up on some fresh faith
High Octane Prayer
Our source of unimaginable power comes from God alone. And the way that we connect to that power is in direct relationship with Him through prayer. Prayer is like fuel for your car, without it we won’t get where we want or need to go.
Philippians 4:6-8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
You could pray something like this, “Father, Your Word tells me not to be anxious about anything, but to bring all of my worries and concerns to You, and that I’m to do this with a thankful heart. Help me to do this Father. Remind me of all the things I can be thankful for in my life and the lives of those I love. Thank you that you promise Your perfect peace for me and that it will guard my heart and mind in Jesus. Help me to think about and focus on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Give me eyes to see those things that are excellent and praiseworthy and encourage others to do the same.
Top of with Truth
Scripture teaches us that a knowledge of God’s truth brings freedom. And transformation takes place as we allow our minds to be renewed with such truth. When we feel paralyzed by fear and anxiety we can choose to take each thought and align it with the truth. You can do this easily by writing down what it is that is taking you captive, then next to it write the truth. Memorizing Scripture is another way to combat negative thoughts, “setting our minds” on things above. The more time you spend with the Scripture, the easier it is for the Spirit to bring those previously memorized verses to mind.
Colossians 3:1-2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”
Get Plugged In
Because we want to be mindful that we don’t needlessly spread the COVID-19 virus to vulnerable people, we’ve been practicing social distancing and self-quarantining. But we also need to be mindful that social distancing isn’t isolation. In this time of social distancing, we need to take advantage of technology more than ever. Look for creative ways to connect with family and friends through FaceTime, Zoom or Google Duo. Take advantage of on-line church services, check up on friends with a phone call, email or text. Staying connected with others will not only encourage them but like a boomerang, come back around and encourage your heart as well.
Hebrews 10:25 “And let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
~Shannon