And Without Faith…

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“It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (The Message)

It was God who made this verse emerge from a brain fold yesterday.  He was kindly reminding me that of late I was selectively practicing my faith in Him. The profound truth God revealed is that faith and hope walk hand in hand. This duo can experience the joy God intended for us even in the direst of of situations, but, if separated, hope in particular struggles tremendously.

The last few months have given me a notion of what it must feel like to exit the boxing ring half beaten after losing a match.  Sure I have crawled out of the ring all bruised and bloodied before, falling into the open arms of my Savior who tenderly dresses my wounds and heals me with love and grace that only He can give. Light bulb flashes on! Therein lies my problem.  In recent months I have crawled out of the ring past those open arms–weary…just so weary. You see, I found myself bereft of hope because in my weariness I was not holding onto God’s promises. Satan found a foothold and started worming his way in. As my faith dwindled, my hope followed.

Now for the rest of the confession.  My impatience has much to do with this dilemma.  It was the second half of Hebrews 11:6 I with which I had issue. Response. Response time! Response time, which is always in God’s hands, was not happening in a timely enough matter for me.  You would think by now I would know the tale-tell signs of hopelessness accompanied by my take-over attempts. The pity parties that take place with decorations of anger, loneliness, and regret all conveniently provided by me. The whispers of Satan that God is done with me and this is all I can ever expect out of life, being stuck in the muck. Poor, poor pitiful me! Wipe a tear…

To use the terminology of Joyce Meyer, “stinking thinking” had its grip on my faith and hope leading me to the fall down the rabbit hole. No more. Enough is enough. Satan, get thee behind me! Today I will ask my Heavenly Father to bestow on me the faith and belief that precipitates hope in the certainty of His response. The dynamic duo can once again prevail over despair in the power and grace of God alone. Not in my might and power. (Zechariah 4:6)

Two amazing things that could only be of God happened as I was writing this post.  I turned the K Love radio station on and “The Glorious Unfolding” song by Steven Curtis Chapman was playing.  That song inspires me so, gives me hope and I literally dance as I sing it before the Lord.  Please give it a listen.  Secondly, the verse for the day for K Love…well, that would be Hebrews 11:6! God hears, He loves, I hope! To God Be The Glory!

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