Some Christians believe by acknowledging emotions such as fear,
uncertainty, and unhappiness their faith walk will be spoiled and their victory
lost. But Paul shared similar concerns with the Corinthian believers: For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about
the suffering we experienced in Asia. We were so crushed beyond our ability to
endure that we even despaired of living 2Cor 1:8(ISV). If we should
never admit negative emotions how come Jesus acknowledged them? Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed
with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Mt 26:38(NIV). Certainly Jesus
walked by faith. He acknowledged them, and then brings them to His father in
prayer. Indeed He asked the apostles to pray with Him! Imitate Jesus: that is
Christianity. “How can I admit such to younger
believers? Will they not be discouraged?” You may ask. Remember He was making disciples of them and they all looked up to Him as the Master. When we refuse to
acknowledge such in our lives how can we help those who face the same things?
Admitting to fear need not erode faith. When I am afraid,
I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be
afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Ps 56:3-4 (NIV). Admit them before your Father and receive
strength; call up faithful brethren who will support you in prayer.
What of unexpected turns of events? A well known evangelist once handled
sexual immorality among her staff by denial. She pretended it didn’t happen.
Sadly that never made it to go away. Even Jesus acknowledged the reality of
problems but trusted in God. Then Jesus told
them plainly, "Lazarus is dead! I am glad that I wasn't there, because now
you will have a chance to put your faith in me. Let's go to him." Jn 11:14-15(CEV). What of Abraham
the father of faith? Without weakening
in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he
was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did
not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened
in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to
do what he had promised. Rom 4:19-21 (NIV). Faith faces facts squarely; faces them with
the promises of He who cannot lie. Faith acknowledges the reality of the
problem and presents the oft unseen certainty of God’s involvement.
It is not lack of faith to admit uncertainty about events. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I
sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter
might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 1 Thess 3:5(NIV). What is faithlessness is when we express
uncertainty about the love of God. I am sure that
nothing can separate us from God's love Rom 8:38(CEV).
Do you ignore problems in your home and relationships’ saying nothing is
amiss?
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