Faith Builder Friday

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see (and the conviction of their reality). Hebrews 11:1

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out). Hebrews 11:6

These scriptures were taken from the Amplified version of the Holy Bible. I love how it starts off with "NOW FAITH". Faith does take NOW faith. It requires having faith NOW.

Familiar scriptures? Definitely! I have found that I am in a new place of faith these days! I believe the Christian walk is a beautiful one. It is so unique and personal. Every one's journey is different; yet the same. We all think our faith is strong one minute and find ourselves grasping for anything that may resemble God in the next instance. We fall on our faces at some point and realize the truth of faith. The realness of God being there when we fall. The truth of Him caring so gently for us, even when we miss what He is trying to show us - big time! The fact that He sees our hearts IN SPITE of our actions and judges our bad choices by our heart motives and not by our actions!! WOW!! So even when we've blown it - He doesn't see the big mess - HE sees our heart. He sees the good intention behind the mess.

Just like when my kids want to 'help' me. They want to help me do the laundry or stir the meal on the stove or carry my tea to me. The problem - they are unable to do any of the above things without my help. They can try their best, but they will most likely make a mess of it. I see the mess as their effort to help and not as a dumb act. I know they are trying to do good. They just do not have ALL they need to make it work. I think that is how God sees us.

I am seeing a change in my present experience. I am realizing I've gone from the "I have faith!!! - But God, could you please do x- thing this way! And could you please do it fast and could you make sure you have this and this and this in the picture? Thy will be done. Will you give me a sign please of what you are planning to do?"

Now. I see the following scenario occur more and more in my life. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. God - have your way. This is what I would love to see - but I yield my want to your way." And then instead of, as in scenario A, constantly thinking and dwelling on what if after what if - now I am at peace after I pray. When the thought crosses my mind, after prayer, I begin to thank God for His answer!

I've seen God show up in such amazing ways for me over the last few years and now I see I am truly letting go of the reigns. Instead of giving God my instructions, I give Him my requests and I know His way is better and I know that! I now see that once I release my grip - fully release it to God - that is when I have the victory! I've heard many times - once you pray - it is done. That's it. Trust God to handle your problem and move on. That is easier said than done, until you've walked in a time of needing God to show up. Once you are stripped of anything but God - then it is easier to understand what true faith is. True faith is free falling! True faith is peace even if things don't work out how you see they should. True faith is scary, until you let go and then it is scary because you do not know when He will catch you. But He will catch you!