Earlier this year, our Grace Ladies group met for our January fellowship. As a craft, we decorated prayer boxes. Into the boxes, we were to put those things that we needed to give to God in 2019. On one side of my box, I wrote “Standing on the Promises of God”; on the other side I wrote “Give It To God”.
While it is pretty simple to give my prayer requests to the Lord by dropping the papers in the box, I have to admit I find it is much harder to leave them with him, and not to try to take them back.
Each year I try to choose a word for the year, one that I feel the Lord is leading me to focus on for the year. My word for 2019 is “Faith”. You would think I would have gotten this lesson a long time ago. But the truth is faith is something I have to choose every single day. It is something we all have to choose one day at a time if we want to live a life walking closely with Christ.
I have gone through some very difficult trials in my life—breast cancer and melanoma, losing my parents, and deep betrayal by one of my closest friends. All of these situations seemed impossible to endure at the time. Each time I went to the Lord and begged Him to tell me what He was trying to teach me. Each and every time He has responded the same. “TRUST ME.”
Simple, right? Instantly, when He tells me, I absolutely know that is something I should have already realized. Of course, I should trust Him! Of course, He has it! Of course, He will carry me through again! And He does every time!
It is so true … Yet, why do I still find this so hard at times?
Is it because I don’t trust Him? No … He has proven to me over and over that He is faithful.
Is it because I think my trials are too hard for Him? No … I know that what is impossible with man is possible with God. He has shown me that lesson more than once.
Is it because I don’t think it is His will to bring me through my trials? No … Jeremiah 29:11 tells me that He plans to give me a hope and a future.
Then what is it?? Do you have doubt too sometimes?
We should feel encouraged to know that mighty men from the Bible also struggled with doubt. Abraham … Jonah … John the Baptist … Elijah.
Elijah, one of the greatest prophets who ever lived had just called down fire from Heaven, had killed over 400 false prophets, and had outrun King Ahab’s chariot—a feat that would be beyond the reach of any Olympic gold-medalist (1 Kings 18:36–38, 46). Yet the next chapter of the Bible finds Elijah hiding in a cave, depressed and asking for death (1 Kings 19:3–5).
Where can we find encouragement that we need to help us trust?
1. Let’s start with His Word.
… Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
… He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15
… And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
2. Let’s seek the Holy Spirit. Certainly the greatest power to overcome doubt comes from the Holy Spirit who “bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). We can cry out to Jesus like the man cried out to Him in Mark 9, “I believe. Lord, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
Jesus understands, and He will answer.
3. Let’s proclaim our faith. Let’s choose faith.
Rather than telling God how big our mountain is, isn’t it time to tell our mountain how big our God is?
Dear Lord: Thank You for Your faithfulness to Your children always, and for Your patience with us when we doubt. We are so grateful that You carry us through all of our struggles time and time again. Amen
Are there times when your faith has waivered? How did you find your way back to faith? Please share your thoughts, comments, and experiences.
Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God bless you always as you trust in Him!