Lesson 1: What is Faith?

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.

Example:  On a windy day you feel the air, and you see objects blown around.

The wind cannot be seen. Yet, it is the substance and the evidence by the air you feel, and what you see happening. You know that the components within the wind are powerful.

The key word is Hope. It is the power beyond the things you feel and see: It is the power you can focus on to reach your goals. Hope is a component of faith. Faith is power. It is a gift from God.

Do not focus on a challenge, regardless of the force it present

The one big mistake you can ever make in life, as you travel upon your path toward your goal, is to focus on a challenge. What happen when people focus on a challenge? They lose hope. Fear of failure take over their thoughts, they panic and fail. This can cause a person to revert back to the past.

Reverting back to the past life, removes the focus away from the future. It is impossible for the past and the future to be focused on at the same time.  When looking back while going forward, something happens within the mind that causes an imbalance: Fear and panic starts to take control of the body and mind: The person then loses control of the ability to believe that he or she can move forward.

 A life story:

(Scene: The ship is in the middle of the sea, and there is a great storm)

If you have read the story of Peter, a disciple of Jesus, who was able to walk upon the water at Jesus command to come to him upon the water: as long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus he was able to get off his ship, and walk upon the water to meet Jesus. He made the one big mistake:  He took his eyes off Jesus, and begin to focus on the strong wind; immediately, he started to sink because of fear, and he panic. He realized he needed help, so he cried out in distress, “Lord, save me.”  Immediately, Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught him. He then said to Peter, O thou of little faith, and Jesus asked Peter this question: Wherefore did you doubt?

Jesus identified himself when he approached the ship by saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” And Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me to come unto thee on the water.” And he said to Peter, “Come.”

The writer of this story informs us, the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when his disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying,” It is a spirit.” And they cried out for fear. And he said to them, “Be of good cheer; It is I; be not afraid.” Source of story: Matthew 14: 24-31

Through the storms of life, we long to hear the words Jesus spoke to Peter and those on the ship that was tossed by the strong wind and waves. Be of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid.

God is our power of hope. Through prayers, and songs of inspirations as well as music, our faith and hope is increased, and many goals are achieved.

Written by Ellen Jean Barrier

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Trusting God in the Midst of a Battle is a Challenge

The things that challenge our trust in God also, challenge our confidence within ourselves. These are the challenges that comes to weaken our hope and test our faith.

When facing challenges that are so furious and you feel the intense of the force from their aggression against you, the battlefield becomes yours, and your enemies. You seek for Hope and it appears to be too far to reach. You call for Faith, and it does not answer.

Instead, you see a stormy sky filled with a horrible darkness, and hears the loud sounds of thunder that shakes the ground upon which you stand. You look for Strength, and you see the fiery veins of lightning hitting the ground, and the destruction it causes come near you from each hit that shakes every nerve in your entire being. You desire Peace but instead, the challenges increase, and you hear a voice from within you cry out to God for help; the sky clears, and the sun appears.

There comes a time when we have to place the battle in God’s hands, and wait to see his glorious power prevail on our behalf.

My personal thoughts

Regardless of the challenges, the sun will always shine again, Hope will return, and Faith will conquer.  We become stronger and wiser with each battle from the challenges that are placed upon us. Within ourselves a special kind of trust and peace dwells in our heart and soul, that gives us confidence.

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”. The prophet Isaiah

__ Ellen J. Barrier

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Journey of Life

Caution   Keep right  Trouble is Ahead

Life is a journey for each of us. We travel it on a long path that is often winding and adventurous. Along the way we encounter many challenges and face many obstacles. Our goal is to reach a certain destination.

Many of us have several goals to reach. Some will reach all of their goals while others will reach a few.  However, we must always keep in mind, there are new travelers entering into our paths each day who will face some of the same obstacles we faced, and offer to them a helping hand.

For many people; finding the courage and patience, to not give up and take a detour from their path, is a challenge when facing tough situations. The power to endure, and persevere is necessary in such troubling times to reach a goal. Keeping focus on most important priorities is a great way to stay on course.

I believe challenges are God's way of strengthening us mentally and spiritually, and yes, physically. After having won each challenge that confronted us, we are wiser and stronger. However, we must reap what we sow, it is biblical.

___ Ellen J. Barrier