If you’re human, then you’ve felt discouragement, disillusionment. You’ve sometimes felt far away from God. You’ve wondered what the master plan was and when someone was going to clue you in. Especially in times of suffering.
But it’s not the Christian’s job to question. Our job is to trust. Trust is faith in action.
As you read this passage from Job, can’t you see how his feelings and perceptions are waging war against his faith? And his faith wins.
Job 23:8-10,
Behold, I go forward but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; when He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
God knows the way I take…
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Go to Blue Letter Bible and do a search on “But God”…there are some goodies such as:
Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” NASB
Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring about this present result…” NASB
Faith always wins, thank goodness, if not we would all be in a whole lot of trouble.
In times of distress or sadness all you need to do is think of poor Job.
This past Sunday I was talking with my mentor from Church about triald, temptations and the flesh. I especially liked James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perserves under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Live faithfully through hardships.
Thanks Mary. This applies to our current situation SO well. I need to print that up to read constantly. It is my nature to always be thinking and wondering where this road with our foster sons is leading…when I should be remembering that God knows and that is enough!
You are all so right, thanks for sharing the strength of your obedient faith here in comments. Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to have this huge, awesome faith, because we have a huge, awesome God…who only needs us to have faith as a mustard seed, thank goodness…or where would most of us be in the Christian growth process?
Leticia, I know a bit about your challenges, and it’s such a blessing to hear you’re standing strong!
Colleen, your comment helps me know how to pray for you…I love reading at your blog, and seeing things unfold between you and Scott. Such a pivotal time in your life. 🙂
Jana, keep up the good work He’s begun in those boys through you. You’re His gardener of choice at the moment, perhaps what you’re doing right now is the most important step in the process of their spiritual growing! I’m sure you’ve been preparing them for the eventuality of loneliness, fear, anxiety…which will be a very real thing to them if they’re moved along from your home. You and your dh are such an inspiration, I wish you lived closer…hugs to you dear friend. I prayed for you constantly yesterday!