Fill in the blank…is there always a place for faith in this journey we called life? I think there is. Do I always know how to walk in it? Access it when I think I need it? That would be a resounding no. However, I am doing better in trusting Him through the dark tunnels that come our way.
Jesus asked a question in Luke 12:28. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? My first response, is “duh, I don’t know”. But then when I did a little deeper into the question with the Word of God, I realize it is because I haven’t taken the time to learn of Him in those little faith areas. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. So asking have I really heard His word in the areas I struggle to apply my faith.
In the course of my almost 60 years of walking with Him as my Savior, I have learned a lot. I need to learn a lot more. Learning to trust that He is my Rock, a dependable foundation for my life took some time. I used to picture literally a large rock but between me and that solid rock was a layer of mud–squishy, slippery, cold and yucky mud. I knew I was being held up by that rock, but things did not always feel that way. Little by little, I felt that mud layer shrinking and my feet touching that rock much sooner than later! I see that Rock as my stability, my place of peace and trust in Him and His ways no matter what kind of storm I walk through.
The muddy layer still comes from time to time–mostly in new areas of trust. Relationships, healing, finances, parenting, marriage are all areas that we need to learn to apply, access and experience the outcome of walking in faith. The only way we learn in these areas is to let the Holy Spirit teach us. First we read and learn what the Bible has to say, and then begin to apply it. Sounds easy doesn’t it? Not always! However, if we approach it right, we have the opportunity to walk with Him through the learning of the lessons–and grow in our relationship with Him.
Never forget in all the learning that the best learning is learning about Him. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Faith Encounters 