Faith in Shadows
By Alexis
The author of Hebrews described faith as "being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see." In my own life at times I have a "faith crisis." When I could see what was ahead of me, I was fine, but when he allowed a few shadows to creep up, when I became uncertain about where I was going... I had a hard time trusting His plan.
If you have ever wondered why it seems that God leaves you to fend for yourself, why you have to pursue this faithful lifestyle or why it is so hard to have faith... then I dare you to take the next few minutes and apply what Christ might be trying to teach you. Nothing speaks louder to me than God's Word, and in it are the answers of many questions you and I often have for our Father.
"Where are you God?" This is a question I seem to ask as the road gets dark. "I feel like I'm talking to a wall here.." Often it's when my life seems smooth that I realize my quiet times aren't too amazing and my spiritual walk isn't exactly wonderful, and I feel as if I'm talking to no one when I pray. I may have had so many wonderful experiences with God that I think He has to do something amazing to show me He's with me. This has the potential to throw a roadblock in my journey toward knowing Christ. In those quiet, dry times when nothing amazing happens and when everyone seems to have an easier road to travel, He is teaching us just as much as He does in the exciting times. So often I base my relationship with God on roller-coaster emotions.
The prophet Elijah had the same tendency believe it or not. While the prophets of Baal were begging their gods to come down, Elijah sat back and smiled. While God was demonstrating His awesome power, Elijah wasn't remotely afraid. Soon after, we see him running from Queen Jezebel's threat (which was basically "You're dead meat"). He was depressed, crying out to God to "just let him die." Since God didn't reveal himself during that time in a mighty way, Elijah bolted. Hearing someone say, "Get your mind off that girl/guy/class/movie/problem and get back to the Word" doesn't give me those warm fuzzies (lol). It isn't what I want to hear, but it's exactly the kind of advice God gives. I've started taking the spiritually dry times as opportunities to really grow in His love-- really stretch my faith. Often He brings me face to face with people, situations or accomplishments I'm putting my
faith in instead of in Him. Though this process is somewhat painful, if it brings be closer to God, why wouldn't I want to take it on?
God calls us to live a life of faith, often throwing challenges in our way that
will stretch us as far as we can go. And usually-- it hurts! So why does He do it? Why does he take away things or challenge us?... isn't there another way?
Looking back, I realize getting through those times when I struggled to put my faith in God has made me a stronger Christian. Now when a big crisis arises,
I'm more able to let Him handle it. Grab your Bible and read Romans 4:5. Go ahead... It's not hard. I'll be right here on this same line when you come back
:) Go oonnnn. I'll wait :) ... God wants to reward us for our faith. I have this mental picture of God, like a parents at a Little League game, not only
cheering me through this battle, but in the end, putting His big arms around me and saying "Well done kid." your momentary trials are achieving for you an
eternal glory worth far more than all this emotional muck you are wading through. Momentary trials help us understand the reality of the promises of Jesus Christ. Maybe we will never know why God chooses the means He does to accomplish His plans here on earth. But we Can know that everything will work for His glory. We can press on and be willing to be pressed if necessary. Dive into God's word. If you're going through a faith struggle right now, God could
be teaching you an amazing lesson: Depending solely on Him is the source for true faith. Press on! Yes, this is worth it. Help is on the way. Don't think
of this time as being stranded, and don't think God isn't listening. Instead, focus on what God is teaching you now. Have faith in WHO He is. I promise that "what we do not see" will help you understand that present frustrations are nothing compared to what God has in store for you!
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