Feelings are wonderful servants, but they make terrible masters.
Yet so many women—maybe even you—let feelings drive the car while faith is locked in the trunk. You know it’s true. One day you “feel” loved by God, the next day you’re not so sure. One morning you “feel” like forgiving her, the next you feed the grudge like a pet you’ve secretly grown attached to. You tell yourself, I’ll obey when I feel it. But that’s not obedience. That’s delayed rebellion.
Let’s be honest: the danger isn’t just that feelings are inconsistent—it’s that they lie. They whisper half-truths and full-on distortions until you start doubting what God has made crystal clear in His Word.
God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), but you feel abandoned.
God says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1), but you feel unworthy and unforgiven.
God says, “Forgive as I have forgiven you” (Colossians 3:13), but you feel justified in withholding grace.
This is spiritual quicksand. You sink deeper the more you trust your emotions to tell you the truth about God.
Faith Is Not a Feeling
Faith is an act of war. It’s planting your feet on God’s promises even when every nerve in your body screams the opposite. It’s refusing to let the clouds in your mind tell you the sun has stopped shining. It’s believing God’s Word more than your own heart—because Scripture says our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9).
Faith is saying: “I don’t feel like forgiving, but God commands it, and His ways are good. I will obey, and trust Him to bring my feelings into line.”
Faith is saying: “I feel condemned, but God says I’m clean in Christ. My feelings don’t get the final word—Jesus does.”
Faith is saying: “I feel unloved, but the cross proves otherwise. The blood of Christ shouts louder than my emotions ever could.”
I know this isn’t easy. Before we were married, both Louise and I faced different situations—deeply painful, completely outside our control—that left wounds we carried into our life together. It made certain parts of the journey harder than God would have wanted. But we learned—sometimes slowly—to forgive. We learned that forgiveness wasn’t pretending it didn’t hurt, and it wasn’t the same as trusting again. Forgiveness is a gospel choice you make so you can move forward in the race God has called you to run. Louise has finished her race. I’m still running mine, and I long to finish well like she did.
Feelings Will Follow Obedience
So many wait for the feeling before they act. But in the Kingdom of God, obedience often comes first—and the feelings follow later. Forgiveness doesn’t start in your emotions; it starts at the foot of the cross. Assurance doesn’t come from emotional highs; it comes from taking God at His Word. Joy doesn’t wait for your mood to change; it’s born when you choose gratitude in the middle of the storm.
The Call
Sister, stop letting your feelings hold the steering wheel. Trust them, and you’ll drift. Stand on God’s Word, and you’ll stand when the storm hits.
It’s time to stop asking, “How do I feel?” and start asking, “What is true?” The answer will not always match your emotions—but it will always set you free.
Anchor yourself to the promises of God. Obey even when your feelings kick and scream. And watch how He slowly, surely, begins to reshape your heart.
Faith over feelings. Every time.
I’m standing with you in this fight for faith. I believe God’s Word is enough for you. I believe His promises are stronger than your emotions. Don’t quit. Don’t drift. Keep clinging to Him.
I love you, sister. I’m pulling for you.
Pastor Charlie