Faith Over Feelings!
One of the things the Lord has been opening my eyes to is how the body of Christ has become too comfortable with validating our feelings in the moment and viewing faith as an afterthought. I am speaking to myself directly as I have fallen for this trick of the enemy many times in my own personal faith journey. I’m sure at some point you have either heard someone say this or you yourself have also proclaimed this popular phrase or one similar to it, “I’ve been feeling distant from Christ” or “I feel like I’ve been drifting away from God”. We readily accept this feeling of drifting or wandering away without questioning the root of it. Do I feel distant because of sin? Do I feel distant because I’m not spending as much time as I was in God's word? Could my feeling of distance be because I have little to no prayer life? OR has my current mood or feeling just led me to believe that I am distant from the father? Could it be that I have simply allowed my feelings to dictate how I view my proximity to God?
A few weeks ago, I was reading through the comment section of a sermon I was listening to and came across a comment where someone shared how they felt they’d been getting farther away from God’s presence. A few others along with myself also commented how we too felt that same way and offered encouraging words to one another to get back into God’s presence. What came next was divinely inspired by God as it sparked a thought in me that I’ve not been able to shake after reading it. This next comment convicted me all the way to my core. Another user typed back a message similar to this, “As followers of Christ we don’t have to feel like it, we are called to obey. Our feelings are a liar and God is our truth so we must lean into him. We all feel distant at times, but when we choose to do what we are commanded to do despite our feelings we grow in wisdom and maturity. Draw near to him and he will draw near to you.” OUCH!!! Talk about toes being stepped on. Initially, I was taken aback and in the same instance I received that message wholeheartedly. God used that sister in Christ to speak truth and correction to our flawed way of thinking. Since that day I have not been able to view my feelings the same and have been on guard to ensure I’m not allowing my feelings to determine how I view the father. Our feelings may fluctuate, but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
I wanted to share that experience with you all in case you find yourself often falling into the trap of choosing to believe your feelings instead of leaning into your faith in Christ. Like our sister in Christ shared, our feelings can oftentimes be misleading and we are not called to put our faith in them. We must stand on truth which is the word of God and declare his word over our hearts and minds! I pray you would be encouraged not to settle for your feelings and choose to obey Christ. We all have a unique calling over our lives and we must strive each day to fulfill God’s divine purpose that he’s placed in us. We must be careful to not allow Satan to snuff out our lights by convincing us to not live out our purpose based on how we currently feel. God offers truth and he is the only one we should be seeking after. I pray you all will stay encouraged and choose your FAITH OVER FEELINGS! I love you guys!
Verses on God’s Consistency
Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
Malachi 3:6 "For I, the LORD, do not change;
Psalm 89:34 "I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips"
1 Corinthians 15:28 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Written By: Amber Alycee
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