You hesitated didn’t you? I don’t blame you. We are emotionally torn to give ourselves to anything anymore. We have been trained by disappointments not to let our guard down. Most everything has some pull to draw you in. Offering you something packed full with promises; experience, product, results, fulfillment, and what ever else they can think of to lasso you in. Using catch phrases like: Five steps to…,the ultimate guide of…, quick tips to get you…,the outcome always seems obscure. We have lost our faith to broken ideals…

God Keeps His Promises…Proverbs 3:5

What are holding on to? Let it go and see what He will do…

Raising teens was challenging. I needed minute to minute wisdom and strength. One of my sons had not met his curfew and as any worried mom would do, I worried. Sleep was alluding me so I began to pray. We had been studying the Armor of God so that was fresh in my mind as I began claiming Scripture over my child. Beginning with the helmet of salvation covering his mind, thoughts, choices; I moved down the armor through each piece claiming these truths as my own. After a little while, I sighed. And then I confessed. I was a weary mom feeling like everything in my household was out of control. I hated what was happening and I needed God to rescue my family. “God, I am so sorry that as I pray I feel my faith is so weak”. And I cried in the silent dark night all alone. As I drew in my next breath the phone rang. I didn’t have to ask myself who that was. If the phone rang in the middle of the night it was this particular son. “Hello” I said. There was a pause and then I heard sobs. He replied, “What are you doing mom?”.” Praying, praying for you honey.”

What God wanted to reveal to me that night was two-fold; first, that He indeed hears my prayers  and secondly He is working on the scene! Thank you God that when I am weak you can be your strongest in me. I do not walk alone as the enemy would have me believe.

There is not much in this world we can we put our faith in that will stand over time. We typically will find ourselves moving from crisis to crisis. What we are looking for are real solutions to our circumstances, not quick fixes and formulas. Our relationships,  careers, health, education, even our hobbies are important to us. We need something we can hang on to and truly rely on. But finding something real in substance can be challenging. Where have you been looking lately?

The Bible says: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1 HCS

Faith is an integral ingredient; to our relationships with others and more importantly with God. Whether we do or don’t do something doesn’t diminish who God is or His power. He is steadfast. He remains the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. You can count on Him!

Because we can trust Him…

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor.4:18

Sound too far away? Needing answers now. If its not immediately sustaining our expectations we tend to move on rather quickly. Often times our initial investment (time, attention, money) isn’t quite committed until we know that we can reap something beneficial. It sounds like a selfish stand but in truth there may be something to it.

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5

Wouldn’t you agree with me that even a diet, savings account, garden, a clean house, all of these things require an initial investment before we can reap results?

What is it going to take to believe again, to give our all? Is it only the power packed bonus at the end or can we see there are benefits along the way. It’s a change in focus that we need.

For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? Romans 8:24

We have transferred this ideology over to our Christian faith. Show me what’s in it for me. Then, and only then, I will give you my all.

Take the first step…

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Heb. 10:23

Is God calling you to persevere today? Eyes on Him. He is the author and finisher of your faith. You can trust Him…with your finances, your runaway teen, crumbling marriage, your recent diagnosis. He holds your heart in the palm of His hand. What is required of you? Your faith! Don’t have any more? That’s okay. He can use faith the size of a mustard seed to move in your life. Will you give it to Him?

The One calling you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thess. 5:24