Faith means trusting forward

Faith means trusting forward what will only make sense in reverse.

"Perfect faith is the faith that moves us to trust God even when it seems as though God isn't moving". - Andy Stanley

My mind fills with an awkward silent sighs and I wonder. In those quiet moments, I have some worrisome thoughts. My heart just wants to see and understand. Does my wonder really do any good? “You can’t see it in person," hisses the enemy. It's true somewhat...I don't see the results. The work that God is doing is hidden for now.

There are days when I feel I don't accomplish much. I think about how I should be doing something more tangible–serving at a community food kitchen, distributing groceries, hugging the African littles, something, anything where I can feel progress or see a forward motion. There are days I get hung up on needing to see and feel the results. I know that need isn't right. In my wishful thinking I want to see overwhelming approval. I know that is wrong too.

I just need more faith.

What I really desire is evidence of something more tangible. I whispered to Jesus as darkness filled my early morning. “Are you sure God, I am so afraid!” He has laid something on my heart, a challenge to write something that I have never done before. It's a task of great undertaking. I have never ventured this far out of my comfort zone before.  This project brings fear into my heart, it makes my palms sweaty. And I don't know how it's going to turn out. And besides that, who am I to write it? I am nothing special.

Then... this verse rises into my heart…

Faith is being sure of what we hope for 
and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

I’ve always thought of those words in the context of believing in Jesus but not in seeing results or the unseen faith things. On that morning it seemed liked there was something more He wanted to teach me. What God is calling me to do is just to be faithful.  To simply obey what He is asking of me.  What He wants of me is to act justly...and offer obedience in return. The results of the task are His business. He is the one making the difference. He is the One building my faith. He is the One who makes results come about. The One Who Loves whispers into the fear in my heart and the parts of my faith and speaks directly to my obedience.

It’s not about the results, it’s about my obedience.

Faith is believing. Faith is sure. Sure of hopes, dreams for the God-matters in this world.
Faith leaps, bounds and builds. Faith fans the flames of inspiration.
Faith is certain.

Faith is the evidence of what we do not see…even in our adversities, difficulties, uncertainties, and trials. 

Faith anchors us to the unseen. Only God knows the pricks, the folds and the imprints that are made. 

Faith in God writes His wonders on our hearts.
Faith measures what matters. It calls to the faithful. Faith submits, follows and obeys.
Faith makes a difference and changes.

Faith hears God whispering back saying…"submit…trust…obey". 

Faith is working the unseen things together for your good.
The I AM is taking care of the rest, the results. Keep the faith. Hold on. Pray for deeper faith. Pray for perfect faith. 

With the results unseen, it's beautiful obedience.

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” 

~ Oswald Chambers

What's a hard thing God has asked you to do? Did you do it?

Five Minute Friday {Faith}

Faith.  

Faith is such a great and curious conundrum that we face.

Faith is active, and requires action.  

It's built on our trust in God.  

Faith is the unknown, the unseen.  

Often we can't see the other side of faith until we get there.  

Many times the path of faith is not clear, it's cluttered and marked with disaster.  

There are days when my faith looks faint.

Seeing is not faith....it's reasoning.  

Genuine faith looks to God.

It's impossible to please God without faith.

Faith requires us to wait on God.  

Faith is our response to a loving God.   

Faith stands still as God wins battles.

Those who have faith are blessed.

Faith fixes our vision.  Jesus writes the word faith in red on our hearts.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  ~ Hebrews 12:2

Deal With It!

Under God's Microscope

At any given time, I have at least ten or more hurricanes of thought that torment my brain and my heart.


I cry, I hurt, I question.


God's word to me is "deal with it."  There are some things that I don't want to deal with.


I like to avoid conflict.  There is a lot of conflict within me that is under His microscope.  


As I dig deeper in into my muddled messes and clouded thoughts.....even there...I have the desire to stay.  I must remain here.


Stay.  Remain.  


Under His scrutiny.....I must deal with some unseen.    

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.  Isaiah 45:3

The refining processes is going to hurt a little.   It might get a little hot.  An intense transformation is expected.


I want to run away....and look the other direction.  But I must ...


Deal with it...


There is One that won't leave.


God will stay.  He is the one asking me to stand firm.  He will not be moved.

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life.  
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  

I will  never leave you nor forsake you.  Joshua 1:5

What hard thing is God asking you dealing with?