Faith, not Feelings

     Many pass long years in darkness and doubt because they do not feel as they desire. But feeling has nothing to do with faith. That faith which works by love and purifies the soul is not a matter of impulse. It ventures out upon the promises of God, firmly believing that what He has said, He is able also to perform. Our souls may be trained to believe, taught to rely upon the Word of God. That Word declares that "the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17), not by feeling. Do Not Rely on Feelings. Let us put away everything like distrust and want of faith in Jesus. Let us commence a life of simple, childlike trust, not relying upon feeling but upon faith. Do not dishonor Jesus by doubting His precious promises. He wants us to believe in Him with unwavering faith. 2MCP 537.3

     If you are lacking feelings, don’t let that discourage you, but use it as an opportunity to have faith. You should never measure your faith by your feelings. Satan often uses the lack of feelings and emotions to discourage us and to make us think that we have not had a real Christian experience, but feelings are deceiving.

     Feelings are often deceiving, emotions are no sure safeguard; for they are variable and subject to external circumstances. Many are deluded by relying on sensational impressions. The test is: What are you doing for Christ? What sacrifices are you making? What victories are you gaining? A selfish spirit overcome, a temptation to neglect duty resisted, passion subdued, and willing, cheerful obedience rendered to the will of Christ are far greater evidences that you are a child of God than spasmodic piety and emotional religion. 4T 188.1

     Faith is not a happy flight of feeling; it is simply taking God at His word--believing that He will fulfill His promises because He said He would. 2MCP 539.5

     We need to live by faith and not by feeling. We need to claim God’s precious promises. Let’s not rely on our feelings, but let’s trust in God and have faith.

Hannah Evert