Faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:

I had the privilege of watching the movie “Unsung Hero” this week. I laughed and cried as I watched the true story of this family face life challenges together. Because of financial issues, the Smallbone family of eight left Australia, pursuing an apparent open door in Nashville, TN. The door quickly closed, and they were left with a rented home, with no car or furniture. The mom was pregnant with her seventh child. This amazing mom made them beds from clothes in their suitcase. The parents came together as a team and so did the children. Often children are sheltered from the issues of life, but in this case, they had to work as a team. They prayed as a family and watched as God answered their prayers. It was often the mom’s perspective of seeing these difficulties as opportunities and adventures that held the family together. It caused them to all grow in faith and trust in the Lord. It reminded me of some difficulties my husband and I walked through following the Lord. I now see God was using them for good for my children’s sake.

Difficulties can make us or break us, it is true. Do we believe “he is a very present help in the time of trouble” or not? These were teaching moments for their children. I didn’t google the movie before I watched it. I knew it was advertised to be about “For King and Country” a male duo group. I did not know that out of this family came Rebecca St. James and the men in For King and Country are her brothers! Rebecca St. James is a singer/song writer that has encouraged many through her music. This movie is the true story of how God worked in and through her life.

As they rolled the credits, they included updates on the children and what they are doing as adults. It’s amazing that they are each accomplished in their fields. The difficulties they faced actually gave them a platform of faith for their current future. Praying with your children and modeling faith in a good God who does good things is always a good thing. Instead of turning away from the God of their parents, they are pursuing Him.

I am proud of my daughters as they are examples of faith, as well. I watch them encourage their children to trust the God we trusted in when they were children. They are married to men of faith and for that I am so grateful, but I watch them implementing some of the things we imparted to them, it makes my heart glad they have the same foundation. There were times we could have given in to fear and given up on trusting God, but by His grace we didn’t. We kept trusting and watching Him show up. He is still showing up, my friends. He is still trustworthy. Our son walks in the same trust, in the midst of difficult situations. He and his wife, Becca are a faith team as well.

When Darryl and I married, we chose to follow Him and His ways. We didn’t give up on Him or each other, but leaned on Him and sought after His ways. Active faith was evident in our lives, because we needed Him, and still do! My friends, don’t give up. He is trustworthy, no matter the trials or troubles you face. Release your faith today. Put Him and His ways first, you will never regret it.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3. NLT. Remember, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20. So ask largely for His grace, glory and purpose for every trouble, difficulty or trial you might be facing. Do not give in to depression or discouragement. Stir up your faith in who you are trusting. He is more than able, my friends. Instead of asking “why” am I here in this trial, ask Him what He wants to do in and through it. If you are going to be going through it, it might as well be for His glory, right? Cry if you have to, but cry with Him. Your story doesn’t catch Him off guard, but by acknowledging Him makes you even more aware of His presence and purpose in your life.

Father, help us release our faith in even greater ways. Show us how to glorify your name by trusting you. I thank you for the challenges we have faced in the past and how you showed up. We overcome by the blood of the lamb and our testimonies. Thank you for each one. Help us to not let fear direct our paths, but faith. In Jesus’ Name, amen.