And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
~ Matthew 14:28-30 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)
Did you ever try to walk on water? Me neither. To be honest, I have had my fair share on being overwhelmed and I might as well have tried to walk on water. I used to get panic attacks at least once a week; mostly when I thought about the day ahead of me. All the things on my ‘to-do-list’ just seem too much to handle.
One of my favorite quotes in Max Lucado’s book “Fearless” hits really close to the core…
“Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will.”
You see, if I don’t keep my eyes fixed on our Savior, I start sinking — fast like Peter. I noticed that when I get up too late for some quiet time, my day does not go well. I still have challenges during the day, however if I do spend time before my day starts, my mindset is different. Not sure how to explain it.
During my day, I usually listen to Christian music or sermons so I keep focused; I do not panic (too much) on what still needs to be done. Max Lucado is right; we need to feed our faith daily. I want to challenge you over the next 30 days: feed your faith; listen to Christian Radio, sermons on your media player, memorize Scripture passages.
How do you ‘feed’ your faith? I would love for you to share your thoughts on this topic; either in the comment section or your on own blog.
‘No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ ~ Romans 8:37-39 (ESV)
Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: Feed your faith, not your fears…
This is just what I needed today since overwhelmed is exactly what I’m feeling. I guess that means I’m not living fearlessly at the moment. How do I feed my faith? I I listen to Christian music, I read and listen to sermons and of couse spend time in prayer. Music is often my first line of defense because it is usually a quick mood changer for me.
Awesome post my friend, love you.
In my Christian walk, I have noticed ebbs and flows, and like you, when I take my eyes off of Him, I begin to sink. So, how do I stay focused (& feed my faith)? I start my day with time with Him — reading His word and praying. On my way to work, I listen to Christian music. Then, throughout the day, I pop online to read the Christian blogs I have found. I also am conscious of keeping His word before me and I have Bible verses taped on my desk. I go to Bible study one evening during the week and that is a wonderful time to learn and discuss God’s word. I write out my thoughts on God in my blog…Oh, and don’t forget church on Sunday! One thing I have discovered, is that the more I do those things listed above, the more I want to add. I mean, I can’t get enough of Him because I am nothing without Him! I’m looking forward to reading more of the comments that come to this post as I would love more ideas to keep me focused! Thanks for the great post!
Feed your fears, and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will.”
Amen and AMEN.. So powerful and true. Iris, I love this series you are doing. I am still trying to get to my book to read. I will get there. Love you so much. Hugs, me
Hmm …I think I might blog about this on Heart Choices on Friday.
I feed my faith by memorizing Scripture, particularly those related to fear such as Isaiah 41:10.
I also feed my faith by remembering to abide in Christ. That constant conscious communication with my Savior helps me not indulge my flesh who tends to fear. However as a human, I don’t abide 24/7.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency Iris.
Love you,
Debbie
This is one area that the Lord is working on in me. I think about a week ago I had my first panic attack in a long time, and it was while I was sleeping. I woke up shaking and it took me a long time to calm down.
My focus was off, He made that very evident to me.
I too always listen to Christian music or listen to a sermon while I am working. It helps my perspective.
Great post Iris.
Aahhemm…. (throat clearing)….you should know…the winner of the Fire Bible has been announced on my blog 🙂
Iris,
I love that the security word for me is “Mercy” so appropriate especially when talking about how I “feed my faith” or what I like to call, “fuel my faith”. I walk in His mercy, draw closer to the LORD in constant, throughout the day prayer no matter what I’m doing I’m connected to HIM. A privilege I didn’t use to walk in so I saturate myself in His presence and I’m grateful. That PRAYER life draws me into His Word which definitely feeds and fuels my faith.
Beautiful message. Glad I was able to come by. Right now I’m not feeling my best and your message has lifted me higher in HIM. Love you.
You are right; what we’re “feasting” on is where our minds will travel. Yesterday, before announcing the release of the book, I knew I needed to be in right relationship with Jesus about it all, so I took a long time with him before moving ahead. Today, I’ve been slow out of the gate, and I can hear him calling. So, thanks for the prompt. I’m shutting the computer down for now and headed to the Word.
Feast on the King today! I’ll do the same.
peace~elaine
Thank you for this very timely reminder!