Are you living by faith or “feelings?”
Emotive living, while hard to avoid, can certainly lead to problems. Too often, we confuse what we know with how we feel and subsequently make life-altering decisions that can have negative effects.
A man called me once and said, “Pray for me, Pastor, because I don’t feel saved today.” It doesn’t sound too spiritual, but I replied, “I will, but pray for me first, because I don’t feel saved either.”
The truth is, I don’t always feel saved. Do you? However, I’m not saved by how I feel, but by what I know. And I know that according to 1 John 3:14: “I have passed from death unto life.”
According to 2 Corinthians 5:17: “I am a new creature in Christ: old things are passed away; and behold, all things are become new.”
I am saved by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross at Calvary. Whoever said I had to feel it to know it’s true? Though often I do “feel” the joy of my salvation, I also know that the constancy of redemption is not based on my joy or circumstantial happiness.
A relationship with Jesus allows me to stay “steady in the stream,” even when circumstance contradicts purpose. Trusting in His Word assures me that His will for my life ultimately prevails over every situation.
So, how important is it that temporary circumstances not cloud my judgment and push me into adverse and defective decisions?
Ask Abraham as he leads Isaac up Mt. Moriah.
Ask Moses as he stands at the Red Sea.
Ask Job just after he got the advice to “curse God and die.”
Ask Jesus just after He says “Amen” in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Ask yourself the next time you feel like giving up, because yesterday was tough and today doesn’t look any better.
Remember, it’s all temporary and tomorrow holds the promise of blessing and joy.
Tim Hill
