Five Ways to Fan the Flames of Faith: Part 2
Recently, I woke up with feelings of fear and failure. Unfortunately, being barraged by waves of worry isn’t an unusual occurrence for me. But before I explain what happened next, I’d like to introduce the theme of today’s post.
In Part 1 of this series, I introduced the acronym F.A.I.T.H. I explained that “F for forgive” is the first step in warding off discouragement. It’s also one of the five ways to fan the flames of faith. Today, I’d like to introduce the second letter:
A for Ask
I do a lot of asking throughout the day. If I see a parent in a grocery store struggling with a rambunctious toddler, I secretly pray for peace, grace, and love to embrace them because I’ve been that poor mama in the candy aisle.
If I hear an emergency vehicle siren, I pray for the safety of all involved because I know how scary it is to witness a loved one in need of medical intervention.
It gives me peace to do my part—to pray.
This same attitude of prayer is wise to apply to ourselves when we’re facing dangers to our body, soul, or mind. Rather than fanning the flames of fear, we need to ask God to help us to do what needs to be done–or to know what should be left undone–when we feel discouraged. God is able to grant us peace for the trials we’re wading through.
Asking is part of praying.
Praying pays off—worry wastes time.
So let’s return to the morning scene when I woke up to face to face with fear.
I knew what to do next; I got up and prepared myself for my morning quiet time. When I opened my Bible to where I’d left off from the day before, I found Psalm 29:11 waiting to hug my heart:
The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Asking God for power, peace, and promises to stand on is one of the ways to fan the flames of faith. He’s a good God who delights to deliver blessings into believing hearts.
In Psalm 37:40 we’re reminded He helps those who seek refuge in Him—who hide in Him.
We need to ask for His help rather than hold onto the flimsy hand of habits or distractions that only hinder us. Busyness happens to be my most tempting false god to grab onto.
And like all other idols, it never saves or satisfies.
It sinks me deeper into the dank well of worry.
I suspect any of my reluctance to seek His help stems from a fear He’ll ask me to do something I don’t want to do. Even if He does, I can ask for His help to agree with Him; I can ask for His help to obey Him.
Joy will come.
Joy is His hallmark signature
I’m supposed to follow through with a good work.
If I feel nothing but gloom about an idea, it may mean I’m not ready and it’s not time yet. But I still need to be willing to consider it if He is prompting me to.
Asking God for help is the blessed-best thing we can do because John 15:5 says we can’t do anything of eternal value without Him.
Our solo deeds are like dime-store junk
compared to the marvelous works He’s planned for us to perform.
Asking and receiving from God glorifies Him. It’s not our glory we should be asking for—only His.
So when I wake up feeling like a failure, I need to continue asking Jesus—the One who has already succeeded in overcoming the world—for His help.
It hurts to go solo; it doesn’t hurt to ask for God’s power and provision.
Our True Shelter:
Trials serve as reminders
We must find our refuge in You
Because there is no shelter
In anything else we do.
Asking for Help Blessings ~ Wendy
What’s your favorite asking-for-help quote or verse?
By the way, I hope you’ve got a few seconds to read my short post on HeartWingsblog.com about my favorite gospel music. See if you can guess what these songs have in common. Here’s the link:
What a beautiful message! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. When I am at a loss for words in my prayers, I am thankful that all I have to do is say “Help” and He is listening. 🙂
Thank you, dear Mimi. “Help” is a wonderful prayer. He hears our heart cries. <3 I often borrow prayers from the Psalms.
Thank you for this. My spirit man wants to cry out to God, yet my flesh desires instant gratification, wretched woman am I. But God! But God is available for me to request help, guidance, and strength. God bless you sis!
Amen, dear Lady Jay; “but God” is a wonderful truth. I won’t miss the battle of the flesh in the slightest. Come, Lord Jesus, come. <3
You are not alone on that one sis. I look forward to continual worship and praise instead of constant spiritual warfare. Be Blessed, Sis!
I am so glad I read this just now. It was just what I needed. <3
I giggled at myself this morning because I needed to go over the steps when I woke up with an oppressed spirit. <3 God is good, He encourages His children.
My favorite go-to prayer varies, depending on what my issue is and what I’ve read, but lately it has been to have the strength to know and to show the indescribable love of Christ (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Judy, I love this prayer in Ephesians–especially its emphasis on Christ–on love. Easter Blessings. <3
Hey Wendy! I have definitely battled with thoughts of fear, failure and worry. Sigh. But God is faithful!! A few of my go-tos are Matthew 7:7 and Philippians 4:7.
Lele, my personal paraphrase for Matthew 7:7 is “It doesn’t hurt to ask.”
Great verse. And I love the promise of the “peace of God” in Philippians 4:7. Peace is priceless. <3 Thank you for sharing these.
You’re welcome! I like the take on the paraphrase! I’ll start doing this.
Five years ago I wrote a blog post called: It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask. Here’s the link if you’re curious to know why I’ve come to this conclusion. <3 https://greenlightlady.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/it-doesnt-hurt-to-ask/
Worry is such a time waster! In my younger days this cartoon strip gave me ( and still does) such a laugh. http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/peanuts/images/2/20/Pe721019.gif/revision/latest?cb=20140309211633 Just looking up this link I discovered that a Robert Short wrote a best seller called the Gospel according to Peanuts. God comes to us is such a variety of ways. 🙂
Thank you for making me smile. I didn’t know Robert Short had a “Gospel” book. <3 I'd love to take a look at it. I noticed it isn't in Kindle format yet…I'll keep my eye out for it. I used to collect Peanut character ornaments. I've only got some Christmas tree decorations left. 🙂 Very little of what we worry about actually happens–I need to remember this more often.
It would be good to read it. I adored Peanuts. I used to cut out the comic strips and make them into bookmarks. My mother was a great worrier (still is). We often used to say to her “See, mother, it all worked out. You wasted a good worry.” 🙂 🙂
Entering prayer with he One who loves us brings a peace and calm that is indescribable. Thank you for the reminder, sweet friend. <3
Susan, I agree His calm is powerful. <3 A middle of the night prayer usually ends with slumber—and before an amen can be mumbled.
Oh, how wonderfully beautifully vibrant you have captured the essence of Spring in prose and pictures. Have a wonder-fill Resurrection Sunday, my dear friend. Bless you…Zoey