Hopelessness is a tool that Satan keeps sharpened and ready for use in our lives as he launches attacks against us in numerous situations that can cut to the very core of our being. Hand in hand with hopelessness is despair. Under the weight of these dark partners, we are often tempted to sink deeper and deeper into desperation, forgetting that the hand of God still holds us.  “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

“There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” — Corrie ten Boom  This quote from a survivor of the German Holocaust exemplifies a faith in God when surely all hope seemed lost. She held tightly to her faith while battling unimaginable persecution. Surely her faith, though tested severely, grew in that terrible situation for her to be able to speak those words. That’s what faith can do! It can carry you through whatever life and Satan hurl in your path.

I want this kind of all sustaining faith in God, faith developed through a daily walk and relationship with Christ, depending on Him instead of the world to lift me out of the pit.  I want the faith developed in the midst of the hardest of times as the potter molds me into His likeness. Please understand that I don’t relish and desire those trials, but I know without a doubt that God is present there. He deepens my faith there. He transforms me into His likeness there.  I am not alone.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

“And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.'” (Zechariah 13:9)

Do not bemoan even the most difficult of faith building opportunities in your path. That is where we encounter challenges that build our faith which pleases God. Hold tightly to His hand and don’t let go, no matter how gut wrenching your pain! He will carry you when the load is too heavy to bear. Just call His name. He offers comfort that only He can give. This song by the group Kutless held encouraging words of faith I needed to hear on a very difficult day in the refiner’s fire. May the song “That’s What Faith Can Do” bring light to your path and a focus on faith, your faith in God.  To God Alone Be the Glory!