11 – Felicia - “I want to surrender, but I am afraid.”
“Greetings Brother Michael. I appreciate your recording below. I wanted to let you know that I did seek the Lord on which job to take, and I did say to the Lord if you want me to take the Christian job and trust you for the extra money, or do you want me to take the secular job because it was paying more. I told the Lord to speak to me and give me several confirmations and I believe he did but I want to be 100% sure now because in the dream when I took the job that I felt like God told me to take it was a smooth ride after that so that is the only reason why I am questioning God because of what I was shown. I am now wondering was I tricked or deceived by the enemy BUT I did say to God if you want me here on this job and you are doing something in me, please don’t let me run but to stay here until you finish processing me. I have been asking him to help me.
The other issue I am having is about my local church I told you about. I didn’t go back last Sunday, and my pastor wife and others are calling and reaching out to me, but I don’t feel led to go back at this time. But I feel guilty still because they helped me during my health crisis, but I just need this time alone with God. I don’t want church religion right now. I am so consumed in what they are thinking, and I don’t know why. I am so worried that they are talking about me and saying things like, ‘she is now better and now she is leaving the church.’ That is not it at all. I don’t want to hurt my church, but I don’t want to be there at this time. I don’t know how to tell them because I keep getting calls and texts and emails. I feel like the enemy is using well-meaning people because he doesn’t want me to have this time alone with God and to allow God to do a deep work in my heart. I WANT TO SURREND TO GOD BUT I AM AFRAID because He didn’t protect me when I went on the fast. I am afraid if I leave my church something else my go wrong and I won’t have anybody to help me.
I have two big issues the job and my church. I have decided about my church, not to go back at this time and take a sabbatical and get alone with GOD. I want to take off the mask and allow him to do a work in my heart and soul.
Let me know your thoughts”
Conquering Fear Through Faith
Are you struggling with fear like sister Felicia? Do you long to surrender to God but find yourself paralyzed? You’re not alone. Many profess to be Christians, but their faith falters when faced with the daunting prospect of fully trusting God. Today's message is about conquering fear through faith, making a decisive choice between the world and the Father.
Your desire to surrender to God is commendable. But understand this: true surrender is not a passive feeling; it’s a black and white issue, an on-the-fence or off-the-fence decision. It’s choosing to have faith, not just talking about it. God allows testing to prove the authenticity of our faith. Is it real, or are you like the Israelites in Numbers 11, who refused to believe God despite His promises? Their unbelief, not some egregious sin, brought severe punishment.
"The righteous shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). The unrighteous, however, live by feelings, facts, common sense, and human understanding. To be considered an authentic disciple of Christ, you must live by faith. "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). It’s being absolutely certain of what you do not see, and without it, it is impossible to please God.
Admit to God if you’re not trusting Him. Confess your lack of faith. Ask for His mercy. It's impossible to please God without faith, and how can those who cannot please God go to heaven?
You say you want to surrender, but you are afraid. Why be afraid of doing the right thing? Are you seeking to please God or man? "The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe" (Proverbs 29:25). Felicia was trapped by the fear of man. The only way to escape is to fear God. Consider the consequences of standing before the judgment seat of Christ and hearing, “I never knew you. Away from me” (Matthew 7:23). You served and loved the praise of men. Jesus warned, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
You must choose who is your God. Is it the approval of those at your church, or is it the Father in heaven? "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord" (Jeremiah 17:5). You have no part of God until you let go of trusting in man.
Like Felicia, it’s time for many of us to put on our big girl/boy pants and put God to the test (John 7:17). Trust this Daddy you’ve been professing with your lips. Separate yourself from those who merely hear and talk but do not act. Let God see your faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Earnestly seeking him means obeying His commands. "This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).
So, I urge you, as I urged sister Felicia, stop trusting in man. Trust God. He is faithful. He will not forget about you. He will not let you fall. He is completely sovereign, completely in control. Show God your faith by trusting Him and doing the hard thing. Surrender. Choose life. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.”
