Faith Fail
Photo credit Cory Zurcher
Lately, my faith has been tested… and I failed. My husband and I had an unforeseen event happen in the last few months and instead of trusting God Almighty who has proven Himself faithful over and over again, I wilted. I became so distraught I had trouble sleeping.
Normally during a trial, I pray, speak Scripture and worship as often as necessary to keep my peace. Not this time. I allowed the problem to become bigger than the Problem Solver. I was so disappointed with myself. You have been walking with the Lord too long for this, I chastised myself. I try to be an encourager, but now I was the one in pieces in need of encouragement and restoration.
This past Sunday during worship, we were singing Promises by Maverick City Music. One of the verses goes like this:
God from age to age,
Though the earth may pass away, Your word remains the same
Your history can prove there's nothing
You can't do, You're faithful and True
Though the storms may come and the
Winds may blow I'll remain steadfast
And let my heart learn when You speak a word it will come to pass
Though the storms may come and the winds may blow I’ll remain steadfast…
But I didn’t. I did not remain steadfast through this trial. I had allowed the cares of the world to choke the Word and render it unfruitful (Matt 13:22). How can I remain strong and steadfast even through the worst storms of life?
This psalm came to mind:
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8 ESV)
Over and over I have read this Psalm and wondered how David could say that?
He will not be shaken? Ever?
Even during financial troubles, marital strife, an ill child, etc.? I know the Lord is completely trustworthy. It is myself I don’t trust. I am a fallible, week-kneed, scaredy-cat at times and would be hesitant to say I would not be shaken.
David also said:
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6 ESV)
How on earth can I do this? – remain steadfast and not be shaken when the storms come?? I am a wimp!!, I thought.
Then during one of my morning devotionals I read Jesus’ words in Mark 11:24 and the light bulb went off:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours.”
That’s it! That was my answer! I need to pray for strength and steadfastness when I need it and believe I have received it.
We are also told:
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15 ESV)
Over and over again we see in Scripture - and in our own lives – the Lord providing for His people’s needs. We can pray for what we need with confidence knowing it is the Lord’s will to supply our needs and be generous with His children.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11 ESV)
Photo credit Cory Zurcher
Corrie ten Boom shares a story when she was a girl where she tells her dad she is afraid she will not be able to handle trials when they come. He then asked her when they buy their train tickets. She replied right before they get on the train. That is how God gives us strength, he replied. Not before we need it, but at just the right time.
May the Lord grant us the ability to be like David - and Corrie’s dad - and heed the words of Jesus and pray and believe we have received what we need.
I’d love to hear from you. How do you hold your ground in the midst of life’s storm?
