Faith over Fear

 December 29, 2025

My Devotion

My Heart

Faith over Fear

Teresa Gunn

 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

 

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

 

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; just believe”. Mark 5:36

 

I have been controlled by fear many times in my life.  If we are honest, we live with a sting of fear.  For what we do not know or understand is all around us.  It amazes me that the God who made the universe and all its inhabitants, and has everything and everyone under His control, knows me as though I am the only one.  When I am alone, He is with me.  When I am lost, He knows where I am.  When I am afraid, He holds on to me.  God has never in my life been in a hurry, He does not instantly answer my prayers, provide all that I need before I need it, give me whatever I want when I ask.  No God is steadfast and steady with all His intentions and actions. 

 

Throughout my life I have seen a lot, I have lived through a lot.  I can’t say that the bad outweighed the good, but I can see that good can be found in everything I have been through.  I was born the 4^th and last child into a financially struggling family.  It was a surprise pregnancy, my mother said she cried for months because she couldn’t see how they could take care of another child.  I thought my mother was powerful, assured, and could do anything.  Not only was I conceived, but I was also planned for by God with a twist.  You see, when we think we can’t do any more God gives us a challenge to show us we can.

 

I was born with an intestinal birth defect, doctors in our small town did not know what it was and treated the symptoms not the problem.  It wasn’t until I was 11 years old that my mother had done all she could and the next part I don’t know how it came about, but God guided my mother to a team of doctors in Dallas Children’s Medical Center.  And one year later I was well.  One year, three surgeries, and months of medical care and healing.  By the end of my 7^th grade year, I was a normal, healthy girl. I would like to say life was a dream after that, the perfect life.  We all know there is nothing perfect in this life.  Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

That is almost cruel.  In this world there will always be problems, God knew before He created it.  Some people think God is cruel because he allows so much heartache, trials, and pain.  But what if we didn’t have trials, tribulation, sickness, etc.?  Would we ever know peace if we didn’t have trouble to compare it.

 

I have never seen God instantly part the troubles in my life for me to walk through unscathed.  I have never received an instant answer to my prayers.  But I have, when I open my heart to His answer and not my request, felt His peace and comfort surround me.  God doesn’t speak to me through a burning bush, but He does calm my beating heart and gives me rest every night when I lay my head on my pillow.

 

Jesus loves me, this I know, the Bible tells me so and every morning His mercies are new and His love never waivers or fails.  He is the rock I run to and the God who takes me into His arms and never lets go.

 

Faith is a noun that requires action; biblically it means; a belief and trust in God based on good evidence without total proof.  Life doesn’t get easier because of faith, but it does give us strength to endure and even overcome whatever life give us.  One of my favorite verses on faith… Now faith is the substance (assurance, reality, realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (certainty, conviction, proof, convinced, reality) of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

 

The reality we create comes only through faith or fear.  Fear is easy to fall prey to; faith is an exercise that strengthens us when put to the test. Jesus told His followers when they questioned Him about their inability to help a demon-possessed boy.  Jesus became frustrated with His disciples and said, “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you?  How long shall I put up with you?  Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.  Matthew 17:17-18

 

Jesus also told them the reason they could not help the boy, was because they had so little faith.  Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there; and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 19-20

 

Faith is meant to be powerful and like a muscle doesn’t grow strong without resistance and training, neither will our faith be powerful to overcome the trials and challenges we face in this life.  Let us put our faith over our fears and overcome the obstacles that keep us from all the goodness of God and His plans for us. 

 

In His Time

Teresa

WE WAIT

 December 26, 2025 

My Devotion

My Heart

We Wait

Teresa Gunn

We wait for the LORD; He is our help and shield.  For our hearts rejoice in Him because we trust in His holy name.  May your faithful love rest on us, Lord, for we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

Wait: verb: Stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens.

I would have to admit that waiting is my least favorite verb.  Waiting for good things, like Christmas morning...waiting for the doctor to se me...waiting for good or bad is very difficult.  I have been in a waiting pattern my whole life.  By nature, I lean to the slow in action.  My mother would get frustrated with me and say, "You are slower than cold molasses."  Waiting is my least favorite activity, but it is part of life and a huge part of every day.  

The bible has a lot to say about waiting, my mind goes to being still until something happens, which makes waiting a much harder activity.  I realize that my entire life I have been waiting  for something or someone.   God has given me many lessons on waiting and developing patience.  But His patiences with me is much better than mine.  God sees the past, present, and future (at the same time). He's already there.  He knows where we've been, where we are, and where we are going.  He knows tomorrow before it ever exists for us.

I have a signature salutation, that I use often, because I want to actively be in expectation of God's goodness and care.  It is my reminder that god is at work and in His time, He will do or reveal to me what I am waiting for,  At the end of a note, letter, or email I sign... "In HIS Time", because my heart knows to wait for Him, but my mind hopes for an instant result or response.  I've spent too many years rushing through days at the same time holding tight the moments that fly by.

This morning, I picked up my phone and Psalm 33 was on my screen.  "We wait for the LORD..." my heart sank just a little, my mind said, "Again! I must wait for answers, for provision, for peace, for what ever God is working in me.

In the bible, "wait" is huge and applicable in all our life's circumstances...  Wait is an active, hopeful, and trusting stance, not passive idleness, meaning to diligently look for, expect and patiently rely on god's timing and promises while actively living out faith, seeking Him in His word, and serving others. It involves spiritual discipline, cultivating patience, and dependence on God.

In my search for meaning and understanding of waiting, I went to Google...searched for the meaning of wait in the Bible.  the Hebrew word fro wait was at the top of the search.  Qavah...waiting is a common activity in the Old Testament.  I think we can all agree waiting is not our favorite activity.  Qavah is to bind or twist together in hope; a connected expectation for God's intervention and renewal.

The Bible is filled with waiting examples.  It appears that all human nature has a difficult time in waiting for things to happen or for God to move on our behalf.  There is a little relieve in knowing that the people in the Bible were not very good at waiting either.  But God is the great teacher of patience.  Have you ever heard the suggestion, "Don't pray for patience." When you do, you'll get an assignment in waiting.

For most of my life, wait was a four-letter word that made me cringe.  Today, I'm not better at waitingm but I do see the significance of waiting.  God has plans for each one of us and the longer it takes for HIm to fulfill those plans for us the better those plans will be.  God will put everything He plans for us into place as we really put our fait and trust in Him and His timing.  The exciting part is the testimony we can share to encourage others in their times of need,

So with great excitement and joy... We wait for the LORD; He is our help and shield.  For our hearts rejoice in Him because we trust in His holy name.  May your faithful love rest on us.  LORD, for we put our hope in you.  Psalm 33:20-22

In HIS Time

Teresa

 

September 17, 2021

My Devotion 

My Heart

Guide, Satisfy, & Strengthen

Teresa Jenkins

The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah58:11

This verse keeps coming back to me this week, I must be needing the reminder.

Guide: God will show you the way, the what, and the how...one step at a time.

Satisfy: He will meet your need and sprinkle in your wants.

Strengthen:  God will make you stronger through His strength, His wisdom, and His love.

I have never met a human being that does not worry or fear to some degree.  I do know people who stress very little.  The other day I was fretting about something, choices to make, insignificant, really, but still I allowed it to rile up within me.   After a while of complaining about it and trying to talk to my husband, but it was insignificant to him.  So, I stopped talking to him about it, because that wasn't helping.  I went about my day and said in my heart, "God, I know this insignificant, it won't matter one way or the other, so here it is, You take it and I will trust You to solve it."  by the end of the day, it was solved.  Not an issue anymore.

I know my issue was insignificant, but god listened.  He helped me in the most microscopic issue.  He guided me straight to the answer after I gave it up.  It's harder for me to ask for help in the little things than in the big things...but even the BIG things to me are dust under HIs feet.  Still, we live in a time that fear is a big ugly monster stealing our joy, our hope, and our peace of mind.  There is turmoil in our spiritual wellbeing.

He tells us to pray about everything.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Every detail about life is important to God, and that means you and and what you are going through today.  Our darkest most difficult times always brings the brightest tomorrows.  Every past situation you or I have endured, has give us greater faith, hope, and strength.

Christianity is a practice.  With life we get better at it, we've learned from experience that God is the God of guidance, satisfaction and strength.  We didn't learn it because life was always easy.  Easy is in heaven.  IN this life we will have trouble, but take hold of your heart, be courageous, HE has overcome the world.  God may be silent but He is always at work for us.

Indeed, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  God is not laid back on His throne watching us suffer, He is a loving God, not wanting anyone to perish, but give us life through Jesus His Son.  The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  the Lord shall preserve you from all evil.  ...He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.  Psalm. 121:4-8

Fear is a liar, it is relentless in deception; it will make you believe and follow those who seek to destroy you.   But God, He liberates us because He is for us.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.  what can man do to me? ...It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in kings.  Psalm 118:6, 8-9

Trust Him.  He will guide you, He will satisfy you, He will strengthen you.  In Christ, we are invincible until He calls us home. 

In HIS Time

For HIS Glory

No Troubled Hearts

 

No Troubled Hearts

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.  I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John14:27

I don't talk (as in lengthy conversations) to many people on a day-to-day basis.  Like you I go through the days of my life at work and at home.  I listen to some news, and occasionally the social media outlets.  I have been a Christian (born-again, saved) since I was a child.  But being a Christian did not shield me from being sinful, disobedient and rebellious to my Father's commands,  As a person, created in the image of God, I=as the Bible teachers does not give us automatic tendencies not to sin once we are saved.  Paul wrote to the church of Philippi, "...continue to work out you salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12. So there is some work to be done and there are many days that I feel like I'll never be where I should be but at the same time I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.  Over the course of my life, I've hit a lot of road barriers, detours, and wrecks along the way.  Oh, God's grace really is unlimited. 

As this new year dawns, it brings with it a whole lot of known uncertainties.  Yes, I said, known uncertainties.  For example, we appear to be in a volatile time, politically, socially, and economically.  We know there are issues, that is certain, how they will be handled is uncertain.  We have accepted the status quo for so long we aren't really sure if we can ever get back to the biblical principals we started with.  The "woke" generation is about canceling out anything and anyone who doesn't agree with them. 

When I was young I remember the nightly news discussing the wars and politics of the day, I also remember my parents and extended adult family talking about the news of the day.  But I don't remember being frightened about it.  What I didn't realize that slowly and quietly we were being inundated with ideas and cultural changes through television and entertainment.  Now it is blatant accept all ideas and lifestyles or else.  People are attacked in the streets for wearing political apparel that is opposite of the attacker.  The world is a much scarier place than it used to be.  My mother had a famous quote, I'm sure a lot of parents, would used when asked if could wear something inappropriate or go somewhere I shouldn't; "Would you jump off a cliff if someone else did?"  A pretty ridiculous statement, but it got her point and answer across loud and clear.

God is the same way He knows what is best, His ways are not our ways, and though His way isn't always the easiest way, when we follow He always leads us to triumphant victory.  

This world is not hour hope for a better year or tomorrow, Jesus is our hope.  If it's not time for His return, He is our hope for endurance and looking forward to His return is the best thin we can do. That is the prize we wait for, that we work toward when our faith becomes sight.  Paul said something else in letters, I have not already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me.  I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:12-14

The world is not going to get any better, but we must press on in our Father's work, being a light in this dark world, preaching, teaching and following Christ's example, glorifying god for all His mercy, kindness, strength, and help for each day.  God does not expect us to do more than we know and what we have not yet learned from Him, Paul goes on to say in verse 16, "Only let us live up to what we have already attained."  In other words, do what you know to do, and keep moving forward.

The wo5ld will continue to taunt us with its lies and fear mongering, Jesus said; Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you.  His peace, even as He face His accusers and soldiers who beat Him and then crucified Him, carried Him through what God sent Him to do.  I do not give as the world gives.  Promises made and then broken, lies and betrayal of our trust.  Look around, doe you see peace in this world?  Jesus said... DO NOT LET let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27.

Just as the Father was with the Son, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit is with us.  If God is for us, no one can be against us.  We know the end of the story; Jesus comes backe, takes us out of here, and we live with Him forever...No troubled hears!  Oh, The King is Coming!

In HIS Time

Teresa

Nothing New

June 22, 2020

My Devotion

My Heart

Nothing New

Teresa Jenkins

 

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

 

Solomon, the wisest man ever.  When he became the king of Israel after his father David died, God appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”  Solomon answered God.  “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place.  Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth.  Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches, and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”  2Chronicles 1:7-12

 

Every night I go to sleep and ask God for peace, for reconciliation, for this country to stop fighting.  Every morning I wake up and all is right with the world again…within the walls of my home...the news reminds me the opposite is true.  It seems every day it gets worse, but does it?  “What has been will be again.”  In this world we will have trouble of every kind possible under the sun.  “Let there be peace on earth,” is a very nice sentiment, it’s also a wonderful goal.  There is no peace as long as there is no good will toward men, women or children. 

 

God has made a way available for every person to know peace and has given them the choice to make.  What we see all around us is so many want what they want and will do whatever it takes to get it.  There is nothing new under the sun, everything we see happening on the news has happened before and unless this is the final phase for Jesus’ return, it will happen again.  History unless it’s been removed or rewritten shows us wars, plagues, greed, and control since the beginning of time.  But the news targets the fear factor that nothing like this has ever happened before.  But it has and those who have gone before us and survived know that adversity and burdens made them stronger.  Ecclesiastes is a book of life lessons and the truth that God’s way is the only way to truth and life.  That everything we chase for happiness is futile, but God’s way leads to everlasting peace, joy, and even happiness.  It also says the sooner, younger, we learn this the better off we will be.

 

We who believe in Jesus Christ, know that He is the only way, the truth and the life.  I think this truth that we believe in is why we are dismayed because it appears that there are fewer and fewer that believe it, much less live it.  I am just trying to grab a tight grip on the joy of the Lord and the peace that He has promised, but there are so many distractions, so many interruptions.  All the more reason to stop trying to understand and seek and hide in the shelter of God.  Have you ever read Psalm 91?  Have you ever made it personal when you read it.  The Bible teaches us that we will find God when we seek Him with our whole heart.  Psalm 91 says if we just stay in His shelter, even His shadow will protect us?  His shadow alone is that awesome.  Shadow: outline, shape, profile; an inseparable attendant or companion. 

 

Although there is nothing new under the sun, what we see happening is new to us, it’s frightening to say the least, but we have the truth.  When it appears that God has turned His back, He is working all things together for our good.  He may restore our land or take us to His kingdom.   It’s good news when we face trials of many kinds, because we rest in the shelter of the Most High.  Count it all joy and the joy will make it known that the King of kings and Lord of lords is, was, and will be on His throne.

 

I'm coming back

I have not published on my blog in a long time, no excuses, I just haven't.  Life happens so quickly and so many things happen in a day that it all blurs together.

I still write and send out via email, and sometimes on facebook, but not on my blog.  I hope to share what I write more this year in this media outlet.  For those still looking for me, thank you.  I appreciate your prayers and support as I share the daily struggles and encouragement I try to offer.

Blessings
Teresa

What is Your Purpose

January 8, 2020

My Devotion

My Heart

What is Your Purpose?

Teresa Jenkins

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of His mighty strength.  Ephesians 1:17-19

“I find no pleasure” (was my mother’s substitute for saying “I hate _____.”) in this question that comes around at the midnight strike of January 1 and continues to haunt me several times through the year.  Purpose, that word sends me into doubt and fear because my definition of purpose means something I’m supposed to be doing.  My feeble understanding of purpose is an assignment, it’s used in Bible lessons, sermons, and counseling sessions and that word seems to be everywhere this time of year.  I want to know my purpose; I want to be what God created me to do.    

The dictionary definition: (noun) the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.  Which leads me to another question.  “Why was I created?”  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10. I look at God’s workmanship all around me and think to myself, God still made me? 

The age of technology has succeeded to show me just how significant I am.  Have you ever searched your location on a map website?  You can zoom in really close and see your street and even the lot on which your house is built.  When you zoom out your “space” on earth quickly disappears.  Suddenly, individually we amount to a microscopic size on a map.  Still Ephesians 2:10 says you and I were created to do good works, that He prepared in advance, before He created us.  Psalm139 goes into great detail of our significance to God, there is no where we can go that He is not already there with you and with me and with every other person.  We are all God’s workmanship and He had and still has a plan.

We have no clue, really to the significance of our existence, but one day we will see as we are seen.  Paul describes it as looking at a dim reflection in a mirror, we cannot see exactly what God is doing through our life.  Every day we have a purpose…some are more significant in the eyes of the world, but every thing we do affects the space in which we are.  My problem with the idea of purpose, I see it through the comparison mirror of what I see others doing. 

From my perspective, I don’t see much change or influence that I have.  Most likely when I get to heaven, I’m going to be shocked when Jesus tells me the good things that happened because of me.  Satan wants me to fear going to heaven because of that part of judgment when God points out all the things I did wrong or the things I didn’t do.  That’s His tool to shut me up, making me believe that God’s vengeance is going to be pointed at me for my mistakes that led people astray, or that I wasn’t a better mother to my children, or that … the doubts and fears run rampant in me holding me back from living the faith that I am a child of God, yes I will make mistakes, I will do things wrong, but Jesus is my advocate, He sits by the Father’s right hand interceding for me.  Though I’m peeking through the window of the “twilight” years of life, as long as there is breath in me God’s purpose for me will prevail.

So, as this year proceeds, and the question, “What is my purpose?” rolls through your mind occasionally, the answer is quite simple.  Live in such a way that when people see you, they see Jesus. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Mark 6:33  Speak the truth in love.  Smile. Be friendly.  Be helpful.  Give generously.  At every opportunity, share Jesus.

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today.  I know that He is living no matter what men say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer and just the time I need Him He’s always near.  He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!  He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.  He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!  You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.  (by Homer A Rodeheaver, 1933)