Overcoming fear by growing in faith: highlights include a personal journey of isolation in the wilderness, the transformation of fear into secondary emotions, the role of fear in unloving behavior and sin, the levels of faith and attachments, anxieties, finding peace through surrendering and staying faithful to Jesus.
There are three levels of faith: quid pro quo, faith of desperation, and faith of surrender, each with its own characteristics and challenges.
Maturity in faith involves actively exercising our faith muscle through practices like gratitude and being surrounded by people of faith, as well as going through tests and trials that challenge our beliefs and provide growth opportunities.
Deep dives
Level one of faith: The faith of religion
The initial level of faith is based on the belief in quid pro quo, where we expect God to fulfill our desires in exchange for our obedience. This level is not inherently bad, as it involves living in alignment with God's wisdom and good intentions. However, relying solely on this level of faith can lead to disappointment when our desired outcomes are not met. It is important to recognize the limitations of this level and be willing to move beyond it.
Level two of faith: The faith of desperation
The faith of desperation is prompted by a crisis or a need for direct intervention from God. It is when we realize that our own efforts have failed, and our only hope lies in a miracle. Stepping out in faith and risking heartache or disappointment are key aspects of this level. It is a level that challenges us to believe in the power and possibility of God's intervention, even when circumstances seem dire.
Level three of faith: The faith of surrender
The highest level of faith is the faith of surrender, where we believe in God regardless of the outcomes. It is the faith of letting go of emotional attachments and desires for specific outcomes. This level requires the acceptance that God's will may not align with our own, and that His presence is enough to bring peace and contentment. It is a state of trust and confidence in God, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Growing in faith: active and passive spirituality
Maturity in faith involves both active and passive spirituality. Actively, we can step out in faith, practice gratitude, surround ourselves with people of faith, and ask God for more faith. These actions help exercise our faith muscle and deepen our trust in God. Passively, we go through tests and trials that challenge what we truly believe and provide opportunities for growth. Both active and passive spirituality allow us to mature in our faith and reach higher levels of trust and surrender to God.
What do you do when everything falls apart? John Mark talks about overcoming fear in our lives, laying out a three-part journey of growing in faith, where we find deep peace and trust that transcends our circumstances.
Key Scripture Passage: Mark 9v14-29
This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Kevin from New Richmond, Wisconsin; Nathan from Social Circle, Georgia; Mike from Nashville, Tennessee; Barb from Richardson, Texas; and Clay from Marietta, Georgia. Thank you all so much!
If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
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