Faith, which is defined not as the absence of doubt, but rather the presence of belief, consistently reveals to those who use it that they can always overcome doubt and evil. To nay-sayers who think hope is for dreamers, I reply that people of faith are also realists, they just have their foundation in a superior reality.
Though some religious conservatives believe that fear and faith are both so powerful they cannot co-exist, I beg to differ. Both exist inside me simultaneously and speak to me throughout each day, fighting for my attention. Each claims to be right and approaches me when I feel disillusioned, but the way they speak is different – faith usually whispers and fear screams.
“Rebecca, don’t spend so much time worrying about your future or what you might lose,” says Faith with sincerity. “Anything that you could ever possibly need will be provided for you.”
“Shut up, Faith!” Fear snaps. “You’re so arrogant. Quit making it seem like life is simple. It’s not. Only the people who control life survive and thrive. We have to ensure that nothing negative will ever happen to us.”
Shaking his head, Faith counters, “You speak lies, Fear. No amount of worry or planning or controlling can prevent her from pain. God never promised days without rain or love without pain, but he did promise shelter and comfort.”
Fear takes a step back, but a bit later he speaks to me again, especially when I’m in a relaxed moment. “You won’t have this joy for long. You should start worrying now.”
As my relationship with God has matured over time, faith's voice has grown stronger and fear's voice weaker. Faith's broken record keeps telling me that if I'm faithful over the little things, God will be master over the bigger things. The increased amount of time I now spend praying and resting has also allowed less room for fear to dominate.
If fear’s harsh voice makes faith’s sound all the more sweet, perhaps acknowledging and overcoming fear, instead of merely denying it, can actually make me – and you – more courageous.
