“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
It was like these words had new meaning. I quickly typed out the note on my phone as I watched Pastor Rick teach. I couldn’t help but think about how many new and often alarming things I had seen in the last few weeks.
I had seen chaos.
I had seen panic and hysteria.
I had seen worst case scenarios predicted and frightening headlines.
I had seen greed and fear.
I had seen long lines, limitations, empty shelves, and “out of stock” signs.
I had seen cancellations.
I had seen the stock market crashing.
I had seen numbers rising and the virus spreading.
I had seen instability and lack of control.
Too many days and nights I have found myself living by what I’ve seen – living in fear, in anxiety, and in doubt. You, too?
Friends, this is not how we have been called to live. The Holy Spirit reminded me that our present circumstances should not determine how we live. Instead, we are called to live according to what we believe and know to be true about who God is and what He says about who we are in Him…even in the midst of our circumstances.
So, who is this God, what does He say, and what should we believe?
I have not given you a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I will never leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
In Me, you will have peace. (John 16:33)
I am a refuge in times of trouble. (Nahum 1:7)
I will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Sisters, these feelings are natural – we are living in unknown days and being asked to do things we have never done before (and there is grace upon grace as we figure it out). But when those doubts and fears arise and begin to determine the course of our days, let’s hold on to what we believe and steer our hearts to live, not by what we see, but what we believe about the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Personal Challenge: Choose one verse to memorize this week. Write it on your mirror, save it as your lock screen, or stick it to your fridge. Remind yourself what you believe regardless of what you see.
