Ben and I have had enough experiences to prove that no matter how good we are, how hard we work, or how safe our decisions may be, crapy stuff can still happen – but this doesn’t change our foundation. We are running our race and, regardless of what we see, we have faith that the future is promising and hopeful.
We exhaust ourselves trying to be in control of all we can because it gives us a sense of security. All the while – whether you’re a believer or not – control is a farce. There is no possible way to control everything outside ourselves, therefore, we control nothing outside ourselves.
Our faith reminds us that we have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy all good things – and he’s one crafty a-hole. Fortunately, our faith also teaches us that Christ came with the antidote. Don’t get me wrong, I have my weak moments. In fact, I recently experienced my first panic attack in 10 years because I believed the lie that I could be everything everyone needed. I had bitten off more than I could chew instead of leaning on God, and when my efforts proved insufficient, I broke from the tension.
Any believer who’s honest with themselves and others would admit that they chose Christ because they are imperfect mistake-makers who need daily grace.
In recent years, I have witnessed some of the most devastating life experiences: Death, divorce, betrayal, bitterness, depression, addiction, and deteriorating health. This is heavy, but it’s also a weight I’m not meant to carry. Thankfully, I have my faith to return to when I’ve fallen off the wagon…but not everyone does. Sadly, many people reject or lose faith when bad things happen, or they forget about the enemy and free-will (accountability) and instead believe God doesn’t love them. If you’re like me and often feel like the only one in the room with any hope, or perhaps you are pressing into God while those around you run from Him, here’s what God says…
Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
I’ll end with this…
Despite what happens around us, we can find comfort when we fix our eyes on the Prince of Peace. When we trust Him and not our own works or understanding, we can be focused on the solution in the midst of the problem. Sending love to all feeling the impact of COVID-19! I encourage you to join me in prayer against sickness, death, loneliness, joblessness and fear. “Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”
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