THOUGHTFUL THINGS
Faith over Effects
When we choose faith over any effect of what we may be going through, this allows hope to rise and our faith to build in such a powerful way that the effects of what we are going through no longer control our outlook, our peace, or our trust in God.
Walking through sickness—whether in your own body or in the life of someone you love—can feel like walking through a storm with no clear sky in sight. Symptoms, pain, and weakness speak loudly, and the effects of the sickness can seem to overshadow every hope you have. Yet the Word of God calls us to a deeper place: a place where faith stands even when feelings fail, and trust remains even when circumstances don’t change.
Scripture reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Sight shows us the struggle, the doctor’s report, the declining strength. But faith sees the Healer, the Comforter, and the One who promised never to leave us. Faith is not the denial of sickness; it is the declaration that sickness does not have the final word.
In moments of fear or uncertainty, we can echo the psalmist’s cry, “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2). There will be days when the effects of the sickness feel overwhelming, but there is a Rock higher than the pain, higher than the diagnosis, and higher than every discouraging thought. God invites us to rest in His strength when ours is gone.
Even in suffering, the Lord is near. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). He draws close to the hurting, the weary, and the ones who feel they have nothing left to offer but tears. Your faith— even small, trembling faith—matters to God. Sometimes faith in sickness means trusting God’s presence more than His timing. It means believing that He is working in ways unseen. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). You may not see improvement. You may not see change. But God sees you, and His hand is still on your life.
Hold to His promises: “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 30:17). Whether that healing comes in body, in heart, or in eternity, God is faithful to His Word.
In every season of sickness, when the effects around us grow louder and heavier, we can choose a different path—one carved by faith, anchored in hope, and steadied by the unchanging promises of God. Faith does not ignore the reality of what we see; it simply lifts our eyes to a greater reality: God is with us, God is for us, and God is working even here. When we choose faith over fear, trust over turmoil, and God’s Word over what our eyes behold, we position our hearts to receive His strength, His peace, and His comfort.
Sickness may touch the body, but faith touches Heaven. And in that place of trust, God meets us with grace for today and hope for tomorrow. No matter how difficult the journey or how overwhelming the symptoms, we can rest in the assurance that “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). He has not changed, His love has not weakened, and His power has not diminished.
So stand firm in faith. Hold tight to His promises. Let hope rise, even in the valley. For the God who walks beside you is greater than anything you face, and He is faithful to carry you through.
We invite you to visit us at The Family Church, 9456 Hwy 146 N, Hardin, TX. You can also watch our services live via Facebook at @tfchardin.