Don't Let Feelings Override Faith

As believers, we are called to live by faith according to the principles in the Bible. However, feelings can take over and be the driving force instead. Your feelings matter to God, but you must be equipped with wisdom to manage them effectively especially when experiencing tribulations. In this blog post, we’ll explore five ways to live by faith and trust God's Word instead of living by feelings.

Maybe it’s because we have access to so much information that is disseminated through the media, but it seems like there’s a surplus of grievous diagnoses and tragic news. It's so easy to get caught up in the emotions that come with receiving bad news. Though it may be true in the present day, it doesn't define your future. If you believe God is the author of your life, then let Him write the story. It's not over until He says so. Hold onto your hope.

Believers walk by faith so get out of your feelings and into the presence of God.

I've known several people who have had their share of health challenges which grieved my heart. My first instinct was to pray for their healing. Additionally, one of my favorite things to pray for is that the healthcare provider(s) will figure out what's wrong and bring answers/resources to navigate. If you’re unsure of how to approach the throne of grace with boldness, use this guide. It will equip you with scriptures and prayers to offer comfort and shape your perspective of God’s power. I released these prayers and saw a miracle less than 48 hours later. Remember, NOTHING is impossible with God (See Luke 1:37).

God is omnipotent which means He is all powerful. His capabilities supersede what humans can do. We acknowledge Him as our Heavenly Father but He identifies beyond that. As you submit your petitions through prayer, address God using wisdom with one of His names for whatever you’re believing an answer for.

Stricken with disease? Jehovah Rapha

Need provision? Jehovah Jireh

Lacking peace? Jehovah Shalom

Having faith in God makes room to receive unlimited help from Him.

Sometimes people let overwhelming circumstances cloud their faith which leads to poor judgment and haste decision-making. Rather than scrolling meaninglessly on social media or wallowing in your sorrows, do things that build your faith.

Surround yourself with faith-filled people.

The second chapter of Mark shares a testimony of how a paralyzed man was healed because of his friends’ faith. Although the room was overcrowded, they didn't let that deter their determination. They pressed their way through and brought their friend to Jesus the best way they could by tearing off the roof. Their act of faith was recognized by Jesus and the man was healed. This is what it means to be a part of a community that cares about your well-being and is willing to do whatever it takes for you to get your victory. Cultivate faith-filled friendships that will go to God on your behalf when you don’t have the strength to do so.

Who you hang around when you go through a trial is critical. These people will either support you or bring you down. Any friendship that doesn't encourage or support you during vulnerable times should be severed or at least recategorized.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” -Proverbs 18:24

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” -Proverbs 17:17

Block out negativity.

The main purpose of negativity is to destroy you. Anything that opposes God’s word must be cast down in order to maintain your focus. 2 Corinthians 10:5 equips believers on how to do so. It says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 

There is so much content available on the internet and sometimes it can be discouraging. It's important to be mindful of the information that is consumed. If you’ve received a diagnosis, don’t research a sickness on WebMD and accept where they tell you that you have three hours to live. Whose report do you believe? Take on the mind of Christ and keep your gaze fixed forward with an optimistic expectation.

Denounce any negative words spoken.

If someone says something that isn't positive or I don't agree with for my life, I instantly rebuke them. I'm quick to say, “Don't speak that over me!” Words have power! Be mindful of what is spoken to and over you. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” -Proverbs 18:21

Feed your faith with testimonies from other believers.

As you grasp on to what God has done in the lives of others, their testimonies will increase your faith. It's contagious. If He did it for them, then He can do it for you too.

I shared a testimony of how I was believing God to open a door when I was a senior in college. The circumstances looked impossible, but one move of God changed everything. It shifted my faith FOREVER. Read here.

Read scriptures on faith.

The key to not wavering when going through a trial is having a foundation rooted in Christ. Faith needs a platform to stand on. This comes from building yourself up in the word. Some situations will activate the prayer warrior in you causing you to go deeper. As you read the scriptures, you will encounter the presence of God which will transform the way you confront challenges. Afflictions are temporary. You just need to survive this very moment.

Whatever you face, it's not too great for God. Declare the word over the situation!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” -1 Peter 5:8-9

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” -Isaiah 53:5

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” -Lamentations 3:24

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” -Psalm 34:19

“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” -Psalm 33:4

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” -Romans 15:4

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” -1 Corinthians 16:13

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” -Psalm 56:3

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” -Hebrews 11:1

Walking by faith doesn't determine the outcome of a situation but it empowers you to have hope and believe in something greater. Surrounding yourself with faith-filled people, blocking out negativity, denouncing any negative words spoken, feeding your faith with testimonies from other believers, and reading scriptures on faith are steps to become stronger in your faith and less reliant on feelings. 

Written with grace,

Kiala

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Worship playlist:

All Nations- Never Lost

Jekalyn Carr- Jehovah Jireh

Maverick City- Man of Your Word

Todd Dulaney- It's Working

Whitney Houston- I Look to You

Marvin Sapp- He Has His Hands on You

Danny Gokey- God's Not

Demetrius West- It's Gonna Be Alright + Reprise

Tauren Wells- Joy in the Morning

Danny Gokey- I Got You

Jekalyn Carr- Changing Your Story

Danny Gokey- Stand in Faith

Anthony Brown & Group Therapy- Cancelled

Danny Gokey- Haven't Seen It Yet 

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Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, 

Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!