The Determinants of Life Outcome
Mark 4:35-41
Mark 4:40 (NKJV) “But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
Devotional Thought
Jesus once asked His disciples why they are so fearful and how is it that they have no faith (Mark 4:40 NKJV). This question reveals two powerful determinants of life outcomes; faith and fear. Faith and fear have certain qualities in common.
There is an element of hope in both. The man walking in faith is hoping for something, so also the man walking in fear. Conclusively faith and fear are substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seeing.
The only difference is that the hope of faith is informed by the word of God. While that of fear has its root in the lies of the devil. Faith enthrones God over the affairs of your life; while fear gives the devil unrestricted access to torment. God operates in the atmosphere of faith; but the enemy, in the atmosphere of fear.
Faith opens the door for God to operate in your life, whereas fear opens the door for the enemy. Job said, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” Fear caused Job to lose everything he got by faith from God. The disciples were hoping for shipwreck and they would have gotten it if Christ did not intervene.
Just as faith comes by hearing, fear also comes by what you hear or listen to. We can always trace your faith or fear to what you have been listening to. Faith thrives on the power of the word of God, but fear flourishes on the word of devil. What you keep hearing has the capacity to either feed your faith or nourish your fear.
The bible warns, be careful how you hear. What do you think of Elijah? With faith in God Elijah subdued eight hundred and fifty prophets of Baal in one day. But when he listened to Jezebel, fear gripped his heart. The man who did great exploit by faith ran out of town because of fear.
You can always handle your fear, if you can censor what you listen to. The disciples were listening to the sound of the great storm of wind and waves, and then fear came in. But when they heard the voice of Jesus they regained their faith.
Every man decides his destiny the way he responds to either of these two determinants of life outcomes. A man that responds in faith to life issues can expects God-honouring outcome in life.
The fear you have been entertaining over the past few days is not from the Lord, stop it! Stop listening to those who are feeding you with lies and anxiety. Speak to God and let Him speak to you.
Prayer Starter
Father, Let every seed of fear in my heart be destroyed in the name of Jesus Christ.
Let’s Talk About It:
What are some fears that have haunted you?
What can you do in the light of what you read today to overcome them?
