Faith Response vs. Fear/Flesh Response

I was in Alamogordo yesterday, and I saw a man wearing a shirt that said, “I Choose Faith over Fear.” I commented on his shirt and testified that my faith in Christ is what sustains me each day. As we finish up the Old Testament book of Habakkuk, I am reminded that the prophet did the same. In chapter one, he had a response of fear and a fleshly response, but when we arrived in chapter three, Habakkuk responded in faith. We begin most crisis events with the fear/flesh type response. It is a response that is focused on outside circumstances and how it will affect me, myself, and I. This is a natural response when we come against life-changing news that is beyond our control. The faith response is different. Faith has a different focus. Instead of consequences, faith chooses to focus on God---the ONE who is Holy, Merciful, and Sovereign (large and in charge). Faith deals with the trust of the heart to the ONE who made our hearts. On the other hand, fear deals with the external consequences instead of the inward peace, that only God can give. 
2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “We walk by faith, and not by sight.”
1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
God’s plan for us is to trust in Him (faith in Him). When we cling to and embrace Him, even when we don’t understand our circumstances, WE WILL OVERCOME. Being an overcomer and conqueror through Christ, begins with a spiritual birth in Christ. When we first believe in Jesus, we are on the road of faith. We will have ups and downs, but God is faithful. God sees the full picture. We must trust Him and walk in His strength and peace each day. What happens TO us, is not as important as what God does IN us and THROUGH us. 
Prayer---“Oh Sovereign God, I trust you to take care of me in the ups and downs of life. Life is cruel and unforgiving at times, but I believe nothing happens to me without your knowledge and without your permission. Keep me close to you and give me the grace to trust you more. In Jesus name---Amen!
Looking forward to seeing you on Super Sunday as we grow in our faith together. This Sunday Evans Okeyo and James Parker will be with us. It will be like a family reunion. Come and join us as we Worship the God of Wonders together!
Praying for my Church Family!

Pastor Todd