Faith is Terrifying

Stay safe. Don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable doing. If your dream is too hard, find a different one to chase.

We’ve all heard those words before. They make sense. They concern our physical well-being, our comfort, and our level of ability. We have no reason to disagree with them…or do we?

As I grew up my parents told me that following Jesus was a life-changing decision, but it is only now that I am older that I am starting to wonder what exactly that means.

The apostle Peter died upside down on a cross.

William Tyndale was choked to death.

Missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian were speared to death by the very people they were serving.

There are so many stories of people who lost everything for their faith in Jesus, which makes me wonder…when did we get so mixed up?

What the Bible Says

Jesus never said that following Him would be safe, comfortable, or easy. In fact, He warned His disciples repeatedly of the trials they would face, the tribulation in the world, and the persecutions they would suffer.

We weren’t called to live safe!

When I realize this fact, it’s terrifying.

If following Jesus is so scary and dangerous, is it worth it?

What if I’m persecuted for my faith? Will I be brave enough?

I thought Jesus wanted to give me a better life…how is this better?

The thoughts tumble around in my mind, confused, scared, and unsure. You see, faith is so much harder than it looks, because the minute you let Jesus take the lead, you start learning things about Him that you don’t know how to accept.

Our Hope in the Suffering

When we see faith the way it really is it’s terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. But hold on because it doesn’t end there.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”-James 1:2-3

Joy. My parents always say that happiness is a feeling; joy is a choice. This verse isn’t telling us to enjoy the trials, it’s telling us to find joy in them.

And every trial makes your faith stronger…sometimes we don’t see the purpose, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”-John 16:33

Jesus is peace. We will have tribulation, but if we have faith in that He has overcome the world, we will have peace in Him.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”-Romans 8:18

In the end, we lose much. I have lost friends, comfort, even safety, for my faith. But they are nothing compared to the ‘glory that is to be revealed to me.’

Our Faith

So, friend, when you wonder what it means to have faith, whether it means to give up safety or comfort or the ‘easy way of life,’ consider what ‘faith’ means to you.

Is it just some hobby you picked up from a friend that you’ve been holding onto to ‘look good?’

Is it just something you grew up with and you’re sticking with it to avoid conflict?

Is it just one of those things you are interested in as long as you can keep living life the way you always have?

Or is it complete trust and confidence in Jesus Christ?

In the end, if you’re faith is real, you won’t let safety or comfort, or difficulty stop you. You’ll keep fighting.

Because faith is stronger than fear.

Rue