Observation Okay. I know this letter is addressed to the people of the diaspora who were scattered throughout the land by persecution. Hardly the scene in front of me as I type on my computer, cuddled up in a blanket, in the perceived safety of my home. But when thinking about why this is important to me, I think of my own trials. God used the scattered people to spread the Good News far and wide, and I know he will use me when my own faith stands strong.
I have never really questioned or doubted my faith. I would, actually, consider my faith in God very strong! Recently, however, I have been experiencing a deepening of my faith- another dimension- if you will. If faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see then my faith in the unseen God is strong, but my faith in His abilities and work in my life, especially during trials and temptations, has some maturing to do. I always see major (and even minor) events, set backs, sad times, struggles, disruptions, deaths, loss, etc. to be what would increase my faith. I've never intentionally thought about the times that I am tempted as faith building opportunities! DOH!
When it comes to trials, finding joy by "perseverance" isn't necessarily gritting your teeth, grinning and bearing it. Leaning into faith and finding it strengthened brings joy. Almost like the positive (considering it joy) beats the negative ("I can make it through this"... gritting your teeth).
Application Instead of gritting my teeth and trying to make it through a trial, I will let go and surrender to my faith, which will build perseverance, and make it easier to withstand future storms.
This week we are singing the song, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail), and I can't help but find new meaning in the words,
You called me out upon the waters // the great unknown where feet may fail // and there I find you in the mystery // in oceans deep my faith will stand //
The nuance is subtle, but consider what ocean you're being asked to walk across. Is it temptation? Is it idolatry? Is it pain? Is it loss? Regardless, no physical or mental stamina that I have is going to get me to go out on the water where God has called me. No physical or mental stamina is going to defeat the Enemy, but only God's power, which I need to have increasing faith in. Only my faith (the mystery) will take me successfully out on to the ocean in front of me, bringing me closer to Christ, more like Christ, and stronger in perseverance every day.
So I must search myself and ask, what is my ocean? What other oceans of trials do I have? I know that to find true joy in the task of walking on the proverbial waters, I must stand on faith (enter another song, Shifting Sands by Caedmon's Call).
Prayer Thank you, God, for this revelation. Strength my faith in you and may I consider ever trial an ocean on which to move closer to you.
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