Faith it till you make it
"Fake it till you make" was my go-to word and action while I was doing my post-graduate studies. For those that don't know what this means it is simply the act of imitating confidence, competence, and an optimistic mindset until you achieve your goals even when everything is not going your way. Basically, you may be discouraged on the inside about a situation but you act as though you are positive about it on the outside. For science lovers, this act is actually based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). But since we are Christians, I decided to title it faith it till you make it because I realize that faking it keeps us limited at our own abilities. But when you “faith it”, you will assuredly make it!
Mark 11:23-23 (TLB) In reply Jesus said to the disciples, “If you only have faith in God—this is the absolute truth—you can say to this Mount of Olives, ‘Rise up and fall into the Mediterranean,’ and your command will be obeyed. All that’s required is that you really believe and have no doubt!
We all know Hebrews 11:1 but I really like The Living Bible’s version.
Hebrews 11:1 (TLB) What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
Faith is very dependent on hoping positively. It is a choice to remain positive towards a certain condition because we know God is working hard for us to come out triumphant. Just as everything has a flip side, the other side of faith is fear. Fear chooses to focus on the negative/worst-case scenario of a condition you can't see. Fear crumbles your hope and most times it drives us into settling for less which often turns out to a big mistake.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
When we are waiting for God in certain situations we start to entertain fear in our hearts. Some of us go as far as saying "my fear is that it won't..." or "the only thing I'm afraid of is if it does not..." How dare us personalize "fear"? God has said in his word that he has not given us the spirit of fear. If God did not give us fear that means, it’s the devil that gives fear. And since when did we start receiving gifts from the devil?
Let me share a faith story with you:
When I got my documents to relocate to Canada, I decided to come into a place of agreement with God. I told him that has he has helped me get a visa he has to perfect everything in regards to my relocation. I specifically told him that I wanted an offer letter in my preferred industry before I relocated. It was a big ask for me because everyone says it is impossible to get a job in Canada without being in the country. I reached out to Nigerians in Canada and they told me how difficult it was to get a job without Canadian experience. They also said it can take up to 3 months before getting a job after relocating. There were many times I was discouraged. I initially started applying for jobs in my industry but when the rejection was getting too much I started applying for call center jobs as suggested by well-meaning friends. This led to me entertaining the thought that God can’t give me a job in my preferred industry. But then I heard words and prophecies in my prayer meeting and from other people that I held on to. These words strengthened my faith concerning my relocation and kept me grounded. I began to pray with the following scriptures:
· I reminded God that he is a God of Completion using Philippians 1:6 (NIV) being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
· When I heard the report of the impossibility in getting a job before relocating, I prayed using Job 22:29a (KJV) When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, there is lifting up; and…
· When I heard that to get a job after you land in Canada can take up to 3 months I prayed with Romans 3:4 (NLT) Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true.
· When I got an interview request while I was in an unfavorable situation I meditated on Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
The particular job I got I did my first interview via google hangouts in a small village with a horrible network. I had lost my voice 2 days before the interview and I looked like a total mess (This was why I relied completely on God to help me because I knew I had no power of my own). The interview happened and I was not very confident about it. Then I got an email that I made it to the second phase of the interview which was very surprising to me. Thankfully, I was back in the city but I was stuck babysitting my two nephews. My sister was meant to be home before my interview time but Lagos traffic was horrible as usual. My little nephew (1-year-old) was making so much noise while the 3-year-old was pouring water everywhere. I was so distracted that I asked to be excused twice during the video interview to handle my nephews. In my mind, I knew that I messed up the interview but for some reasons beyond me, I had faith that God will work it out. I did not know how he will do it and honestly, I did not care because I shouldn’t be worried about the “how’s” when it comes to God but I believed he will do it. To my surprise, I got the job!! God blew my mind! It was like I was dreaming. I could relate to this verse.
Psalm 126:1 (KJV) When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
In the middle of this experience, I entertained fear and started looking for alternatives less than I deserved but thank God for visions and prophecy. I am also very thankful that the people I am connected to allowed themselves to be willing vessels for the lord to encourage me. Their gifts helped build my faith as I waited on God.
For each time we are waiting on God for something, we have two options. We can either choose to have faith or entertain fear concerning the outcome. As believers, our default stand should be in faith. Because we know that God has shown us through his words that he will always come through.
2. Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
3. Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
4. Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
5. Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
6. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark” - Rabindranath Tagore
With love,
Bib
6 Scriptures to give you peace as you wait on God:
1. Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things.2. Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
3. Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
4. Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
5. Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
6. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark” - Rabindranath Tagore
With love,
Bib
Thanks Bob. Needed this encouragement at this moment.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, more insight!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you. I needed this. I hope to come back here and comment with my testimony
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