Last week we spent several days in the Tennessee mountains with my extended family. We stayed in some lovely facilities and had a wonderful time together.
It was definitely nice to get away and be out of our normal routine for a bit. Because lately, I’m finding myself with more questions than answers most days. It seems like we’ve been living in upheaval and uncertainty for such a long time, though I realize it’s actually only been about five months.
Some mornings it’s harder than others to get my mind moving in the right direction, to fully step into faith and not focus on all the “when’s, why’s, and what if’s.”
I’ll just say it out loud. Some days my faith is weak.
Faith is confidently believing what God has said. That sounds pretty easy on the surface.
I like what Matthew Henry says in his commentary on Hebrews 11:1. “It [faith] is a firm persuasion and expectation that God will perform all he has promised to us in Christ.“
On the good days, I know that, and I’m quoting Bible verses and looking up and moving ahead. But other days I’m questioning a bit, and my faith slips. And in case you have days like that, too, here’s some encouragement for all of us.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” ~2 Corinthians 5:7
There’s the goal. Walk by faith. But is that our reality? Are we living by what we know God has said or are we living by what we see around us?
I see fear and unrest, people and plans that can’t be counted on. Worry seems like a pretty good option. But we can’t make our circumstances the focus. Each day we have to ask God for faith to get through that day. And we have to lean hard into the promises we find in Scripture.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” ~Hebrews 12:2
We would have not faith without Jesus. Our faith originates with Him. He’s also the completer of it in our lives, the one who perfects or matures our faith. I can’t grow it myself. I have to allow Him to cultivate it in me.
Christ is the ultimate example of faith for us to follow. Certainly He faced times of uncertainty in His earthy life – even to the cross – yet His faith was constant.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” ~Romans 10:17
We can expect weak faith if we’re not in our Bibles regularly. The news isn’t going to grow our faith. If we’re looking to Facebook or Netflix to strengthen it, we will continue to be weak. The only place to build up our faith is in God’s Word.
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” ~James 1:3
Maybe we could have skipped this verse. That whole “trying of your faith” thing doesn’t sound like something we want to sign up for!
Is your faith being tried? Mine is. Do I have faith that God is working all things together for our good? Or is this all just a mess that we have to muddle through?
Faith leads us to believe that He has a purpose in everything, even COVID-19. It’s not my plan. It’s His. Part of what comes with each trial, if we’ll allow it, will be increased patience
I like this particular dictionary definition of patience – “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” I could use some of that!
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” ~1 John 5:4
Our faith will lead us to be victorious. Are the times we’re living in unprecedented? In some ways, yes. But God is still on His throne. We know the end of the story. And faith in God will bring us through these days and even prepare us for whatever lies ahead.
“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” ~Luke 18:8
Let the answer to this question be yes!! With God’s help, may our faith be stronger today than it was yesterday. Let’s not give in, but press on in faith, especially as we see how faithful our God is to us.
Related posts:
- What Sarah Teaches Me About Faith
- Do You Have Fair Weather Faith?
- An Uncertain Future Reveals Our Need for a Trustworthy God
Again, Tracy, your post is just what my spirit needs! Thank you for being willing to be vulnerable in order to share with us what the Lord is doing in your life. It is encouraging to know that Christians still struggle, and to be reminded that our hope is in Jesus.
Thank you for your faithfulness and prayers.
Thankful that it was an encouragement to you! I’m so grateful that God is longsuffering with us when our faith is weak. Keeping you in my prayers!
Thank you for praying!
This time is hard for everyone, and thankfully our faith — knowing Who is in control — can give us peace.
Yes, God’s peace is exactly what we need when life seems out of control…which, in reality, is most of the time 😉
I don’t have a spirit of fear…but I *do* fall into frustration: “When, God? When?” That patience definition was sooo good!!!
Mrs Tracey, your blogs have been such a wonderful blessing to me. I know for a fact that the Father led me to your website. I am eternally blessed and grateful that you allow the Holy Spirit to use you to edify the body. My the Father continue to grant you peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. May He shine the light upon you and your family.!
What a sweet and encouraging comment – thank you so much!! I appreciate you taking the time to read here and trust that God will richly bless you as well!