Introduction: Fear, Faith, and Patience
In my last reflection, I focused on Fear—False Evidence Appearing Real. I knew I needed to address fear first because here’s the truth: as much as I feel God has been dealing with me on Faith and Patience in my current season of life, I also know that with faith and patience does come fear.
Through some of my reflections, you’ve seen how I’ve dealt with some really hard times over the past couple of years. And if I’m being honest? It’s not always easy to let go and let God.
My faith gets shaky—not because of God, but because of past hurts. My patience isn’t always there. I’m learning. I’ve definitely tried to put myself in the mix instead of just letting God have it, because I wanted instant results.
Can anyone else relate?
When We Try to Fix It Ourselves
Let’s be real: the things we want really badly to happen are not always instant.
The more we try to fix ourselves, fix others, fix relationships—sometimes the harder we make things for ourselves. And maybe, just maybe, that was never the plan. Maybe God sees something so much bigger for us than we can ever see for ourselves.
I’ve learned this the hard way through life. I’ve tried to fix things. I’ve tried to turn to others to fix things. But all He wants is for us to turn to Him.
It’s not until we TRULY let go and give our cares to God that things can begin to happen.
What Is Faith?
The Bible gives us a beautiful definition of faith:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
— Hebrews 11:1
Faith isn’t about seeing the whole staircase. It’s about taking the first step—trusting that God is already at the top, calling you forward.
Faith isn’t pretending everything is fine. It’s saying, “I don’t know how this will work out, but I trust the One who does.”
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.”
— Isaiah 12:2
Notice what comes after trust? “And not be afraid.”
Fear and faith can’t occupy the same space. When we choose faith—when we truly surrender—fear loses its grip.
How Past Hard Times Build Present Faith
Looking back at my life, one thing that helps me with my daily faith is remembering all the past hard times.
My prayers now are so different than they used to be. They sound more like this:
“Thank You, God, for my life. Looking back through it all, I never imagined I’d be in this place. The positions I’ve been put in, the help I get to give—it’s all for YOUR GLORY.”
Those are the things I focus on that continue to give me hope.
I used to be such a shy person—happy with going about my everyday life and coming home. But God has equipped me with the tools and put me in places where I’m needed. I’m sitting at tables I never imagined.
So I know there is so much greater for my life. I just have to be patient to see what God is preparing me for next.
Letting Go of the Weight
Here’s what I’ve learned: Life doesn’t always look how we want it to look. Things don’t always work out how we want them to work out. People don’t always see us the way we’d want them to.
But in the end, the only one that matters is God and His plan.
And for that, I am excited to see what’s next for me.
So I’ve chosen to let the weight go—and it feels so good. I feel like a new person, and I’m here for it all. It didn’t come without some sacrifice, but that’s okay. I know the next season is going to be so much greater.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
— Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
God is asking us to throw off the weight—the control, the fixing, the striving—and fix our eyes on Him instead.
God’s Promises Are Sure
When you’re in the middle of a hard moment, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. It’s easy to forget that God is still working, still moving, still faithful.
But here’s what we can hold onto:
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 1:6
God doesn’t start something in you and then abandon it halfway through. He finishes what He starts.
So when doubt creeps in, when fear whispers that nothing is happening, remember to dwell on God’s promises and all of the blessings around you.
Look back and see how far He’s brought you. Then look forward with faith, knowing He’s not done yet.
Reflection Prompt
Take a few moments today to reflect:
Have you lost sight of the bigger picture while in a hard moment? What are you trying to fix that God is asking you to surrender?
Write it down. Pray over it. Then practice letting it go—trusting that God sees something so much bigger than you can see for yourself.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father,
I confess that I don’t always trust You the way I should. I try to fix things. I try to control outcomes. I get impatient waiting for You to move.
But today, I’m choosing faith. I’m choosing to let go of the weight I’ve been carrying—the need to control, the fear that nothing will change, the belief that I have to do it all myself.
Help me remember that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Remind me that You are faithful, even when I can’t see the whole picture.
Thank You for the tables You’ve brought me to. Thank You for equipping me for places I never imagined. I trust that You’re preparing me for something even greater.
I surrender it all to You. Finish the good work You started in me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
💕 You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to have faith in the One who does.