
What do you fear? Heights? Spiders? Are you claustrophobic? I can name a few things that make me uncomfortable. Things that make me squirm or even things that I pray never happens to me or my family.
But there's something that I fear that's ran through my mind a few times. Fear may not be the appropriate term. Perhaps I should say it's more of a concern. I think this concern is a valid one considering it has happened to many. It is commonplace.
That fear is the fear of losing my faith. The concern of walking away from my belief. The fear that the cares of this world, trials, or the enemy will snatch away what I believe. I fear the idea that I could one day believe that my faith and labor is in vain.
And that terrifies me.
I prayed many years ago that no matter what comes my way, that God will keep my soul anchored in Him. I ask that He takes my hand, not that I take His, because I'm unreliable. I'm in this flesh and I don't trust myself to always think logically. I am capable of doing what isn't in my best interest, and I believe it is wise that we all think this way about ourselves.
I'm reminded of when Jesus said that one of the disciples would betray Him at the Last Supper. None of the disciples thought they were too righteous to do such a thing. Instead, they all asked, "Lord is it I?" (Matthew 26:22). This shows that they knew that they were capable of doing something as vile as forsaking the Son of Man.
So, I don't think I am above forsaking God by walking away from the faith. I realize it is a possibility and that I have an enemy who is after my belief. An enemy who wants to manifest my fear and erase my faith. I am not above a forsaken belief.
By the way, total disclaimer here: I am not in a faith crisis... so, you don't have to stop reading to pray for me or call/text/message me if you know me personally. By all means, please do so if you feel lead! But I'm good... I'm going forward in Christ.
Yet, I am merely being transparent about a concern that has crossed my mind. Haven't we all seen believers, preachers, and teachers walk away? It does happen. Something shifted within them and caused them to believe their faith was in vain. And you know what? There is a time when our belief can be in vain.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
(1 Corinthians 15:2 KJV)
The only time our belief is in vain is if we don't stand firm in it. If we stray away from it, that's when we have believed in vain. In context, I am speaking of the general belief of God and the gospel. But this can also be applied to belief that something will come to pass.
For example, we know that despite his age, Abraham believed that he would have a son per God's promise. It took 25 years, but eventually, Sarah birthed Isaac. Now, what if Abraham would have walked away from God and the promise in year 2 of waiting? Or year 10 or even year 24?
The years that he spent believing would have been in vain if he had decided to stop believing. Abraham received the promise only because he believed. If he had of forsaken his belief, any years he spent believing would have been in vain because his unbelief would have forfeited the promise.
Yet, we know his belief was not in vain because he remained steadfast in his belief. So, again, the only way our faith is in vain is if we don't stand firm in it. If we continue on in our belief, God promises to reward us. Yes, earthly blessings are expected, but primarily, we are promised a place in heaven that Christ has gone to prepare for us.
Can you imagine that place? A place prepared by Christ? I mean, He ain't no slouch! Look at the beauty He created in the earth. The stars, the oceans, all the beautiful wonders of the world. Surely, it will be glorious. But our residence there depends on our faith and living here.
We have to know that our faith is not in vain. We must stand firm in our convictions. So, let's stand. I'll leave you with a few words from the Apostle Paul. I'll see you next week if it is the Lord's will. 'Til then, have a blessed day and week.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)
Like what you read? Check out Quin Arrington's debut book And Then You Shall Have Good Success: Attaining Good Success God's Way. Available on Amazon in paperback and eBook. Link listed below:
I love the part where you said you asked God to take your hand. This was a very good read. Thanks again for taking the time to bless 🙌🏾 me with this.