The truth about faith
I remember so well those early days of following Jesus. I had jumped into a life of faith with both feet—I was changed. Old interests and priorities shifted and my sincerity to know and grow in my walk with Jesus was solid. We moved to a new town and started looking for a new church. Women’s church ministries were reaching beyond the weekday “circle” meeting and expanding into luncheons, banquets, programs, and retreats. I was a participator, hungry to learn more, and often found myself listening to personal stories of faith with dramatic circumstances that always ended with “BUT God...”
Leaving one night, I had the very clear question: “Why does it seem like there always has to be some terrible tragedy or extreme situation to validate the need for a personal relationship with God? I love Him and I want to serve Him, but does genuine faith require a crisis of epic proportion to prove to be real?” The thought lingered but was soon dismissed as I continued to cultivate my relationship with Jesus.
He was gentle and patient with me.
I immersed myself in His Word, learned to be comfortable in prayer, attended a church that proclaimed the Gospel, and desired to raise my young family to know Jesus. Although there were challenges and threats, our lives were being established on the solid rock. Growing in the Word and learning to apply it to my life trained me in vital ways. The shift of perspective flowed from a born-again spirit and a transformed mind. It was a process and a journey of growth and spiritual maturity.
I believed it was possible to release fear and dread and live with faith and hope.
The early years of striving slowly gave way to security and instead of being prone to worry, I started to experience the peace that bypassed understanding. Choices and decisions that often created division and chaos, gave way to clarity. Even troubling thought patterns were released to establish trust in the wisdom of God.
Are you hesitant to follow Jesus wholeheartedly because you are afraid of what it could cost you?
Have you surveyed the landscape of Christianity and concluded there is a price to pay and not sure if you want to participate?
May I ask you some questions?
● Are you avoiding or pretending trials and troubles are for everyone else but you?
● Can you make a list of the “what if” scenarios in your life that keep you unsettled and upset? Think about what keeps you awake, robs you of joy, and spins you in constant motion.
● Fill in the blanks - I am worried about ____________________.
I’m stressed because____________________.
I feel overwhelmed about ______________________.
Indecision is creating ____________________.
Trying to control and manage my _______________ is straining our relationship.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
I want to have strength and faith but I am so often defeated and disappointed because it seems like life gets more complicated and chaotic instead of calmer or more comfortable.
I want to encourage and challenge you. From my own experiences I believe what you want is TRUTH, even when it might be hard.
I’m going to tell you the truth.
“YES” to Jesus is not a free pass to avoid pain and difficulty. It is not a guarantee that everything will go your way, even though you prayed. TRUTH isn't an insurance policy to eliminate disaster, disappointment, and despair.
I’m sorry if you were led to believe “well with your soul” meant well with your circumstances.
