I am writing this while waiting to see my doctor. An intense pain awakened me at 2:15am this morning and robbed me of any further slumber. Although my body has been experiencing these symptoms since Monday, I have tried to ignore them. This morning my feeble frame said, 'Enough! I need attention!' So, after a brief consultation with a nurse on the Telehealth phone line, I have surrendered to an appointment for further care.
This mornings reading asks a searching question. "Is this the one who relies on the Lord?"
What does it mean to rely on the Lord? Does it mean that if I trusted Him completely I wouldn't be sitting here now? Most certainly not. The Lord has given us a mind and He wants us to use it. He has given wisdom and training to medical staff and uses them to provide our care.
Relying on God means I will quit my incessant worry and trust my life in His hands. It means calling on Him first before running to friends to supply for my need. It means giving Him fear, doubt, worry and anxiety and knowing that He is working for my best and His glory.
I think often the Lord looks down on this little Much Afraid and asks, "Is this the one who 'says' she relies on Me?" He must shake His head at all my worries and anxieties, thinking, 'Child, if you would only place yourself in My hands and let Me carry you. You seem to have more faith in fretting than in letting go.'
I want to declare with David in Psalm 26:1, "I have trusted in the Lord without wavering."
Unwavering. No compromise. Standing on and believing in God alone. Surrendering my fear for faith. Unshakeable. Without doubt. Completely resolved that absolutely nothing can unsteady my stand and belief in my Savior. "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me", Psalm 23:4. I desire to say with assurance and conviction, " LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!" Psalm 25:1
Friends, we can expect our faith to be challenged. Our faith can be stressed and pressed through so many circumstances. Those trying times are opportunities to exercise and live out our saving faith. Our biggest obstacle is ourself. We are capable people. We are smart. We have been provided with many resources. We think we can do it on our own. We must learn that no matter how confident we seem, we can only have victory through Christ.
We can have unwavering faith through extraordinary circumstances. Though we are guaranteed that waves will beat upon the shores of our lives, we can stand firm with faith that will not be washed away. We might not have oceans of faith. It might be but a single tear, silently expressing our longing to keep holding on. It is enough.
"...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
It's not about the size of our faith, but the size of our God! And, He's not wavering.
3 comments:
Dearest Joy,
I pray that the doctor has by now been able to help with your pain. And that you will be feeling better soon.
I can so identify with all you said. It really hit home when you said that sometimes maybe we have more faith in fretting than we have in God! That sounds like me! :)
I am sitting here at my computer desk listening to the rain coming down on the roof and against the windows. A few rumblings of thunder accent the morning. Seems like stormy weather has become the norm in the past months. I so want to be a strong, trusting Christian who automatically places everything in God's hands. I do love Him. But somehow I mostly feel I am a failure in the realm of trust.
Please let us know how you get along.
Love in Christ,
Marilyn
Unwavering faith ... not running to friends before running to God and trusting him with the gift of our worries and fears.
Keep to the road, "much afraid", although I don't think a fitting description for you, my friend.
"Valiant Warrior" perhaps.
peace~elaine
I agree with Elaine..."Valiant Warrior" dear friend. I can relate to your post today. I just read:
God, give me the faith of a little child
Who trusts so implicitly,
Who simply and gladly believes Thy Word,
And never would question Thee. —Showerman
A childlike faith unlocks the door to the kingdom of heaven.
That we would all have a childlike faith!
When I did not see your post yesterday I prayed for you throughout the day. I'm praying you feel God's healing hands over you and that you know He knows what is best for you, dear sister!
Blessings and hugs coming your way!
Lori - AZ
PS Have you taken Beth Moore's, study: Believing God? It will boost your faith!
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