Faith Over Fear

“‘Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11, NASB95)

““Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:31–32, NASB95)

I have a friend that often says, “How’s your faith.” If we pray and make our request that is already known to the Sovereign God and Father in heaven in the first part, “Give us this day the bread sufficient for the day” and then believe that God who is good will provide, then why should we “worry then, saying ‘what will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?”

The problem is not one of provision because “will God provide” but one of a faith question “will God provide, will He provide in time, and will He provide what I need?” Worry is the enemy of peace of mind. Paul gives the following encouragement in his letter to the church of Philippi:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, NASB95)

Anxiety is an emotion, an invisible enemy of the soul that challenges the sovereignty of God based on the lie of Satan, “did God really say…” Satan uses fear of sickness and death, lack of food and money, lack of shelter, and even a perceived lack of pleasure to keep people in control.

Jesus stated that all humanity, believers, and non-believers suffer from anxiety. But that is not necessary for the children of God who do not have to be fearful because God, your heavenly Father, already knows your needs and has a plan to provide. Keep in mind; God promises to provide for “needs, not greed.” Are you anxious about a need or something that is not a need but a selfish pleasure (James 4:1-3)?

What should a person do when they become anxious about things? First, ask yourself, “how is my relationship with my heavenly Father? Am I obedient or rebellious?” A second question to ask yourself, “is this a need or a greed?” Lastly, have you prayed in faith and are patiently waiting in faith for your Father to provide?

St. Augustine said it best, “Pray as though everything depended on God and work as though everything depended on you.” And….

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NASB95)

Pastor Cary


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