“Faith moves forward… faith anchors itself in the unseen. Faith doesn’t base its hope in emotion but in the truth.”
That was my answer this morning to the question that was raised in Sunday school regarding the definition of faith. I spoke it rather mechanically, almost as if rehearsed over and over again prior to its departure from my lips. I suppose I’ve been practicing it for a while now, not just with words, but in my spirit as well.
It’s a good thing… this rehearsing of faith in an earlier, seemingly unchallenged season. Why? Because when uncertainties arise to challenge that faith, we need the advantage of a previously rehearsed faith. We need the anchor of truthful words when feelings pull us in the opposite direction.
I’ve been challenged lately… been hoping for some tangible validation to my deeply-held spiritual convictions. It’s not that God’s been unwilling to validate my inward pulse; no, instead, it’s been a great deal about my unwillingness to take the time to listen to his. Life and busyness and stress have shouted their insistence, almost to the point of sweeping me under the rug of doubt. I’ve caved many times, succumbed to my tears and frustration and feelings of numbness.
It’s hard to continue an old life in a new place. On the front side of my ellipsis nearly three weeks ago, I imagined this transition would be easier. I naively placed the enemy at bay, believing that my faith was unshakeable, unbendable, unwavering and steadfast. But naivety has little, if any, place in the life of a believer… especially one who is intent on the ongoing pilgrimage of faith’s perfection. Troubling times are sure to come, and while my “troubling” might categorize as insignificant to those who are troubled with a seemingly far worse scenario, it ranks pretty noteworthy for me.
“Whatever trips you up.”
This is what I’ve always told my Bible study gals (if you’re one of them, I miss you tremendously and am sending a heart full of love to you this night). We all have our triggers, and we can be sure that the enemy knows them full well and is ready to exploit them every chance he’s given. I suppose I’ve been more prone to opening up the door to his advances in recent days. Exhaustion has set in, and whenever we’re physically and emotionally tired—when the pavement beneath our feet feels more like rubble rather than smoothness—we’re prone for a misstep along these lines.
That being said, a “trip up” isn’t the end of a heart’s faith. A good faith acknowledges the imbalance early on. A good faith pauses to recognize the incongruencies between what is true and what is purported as truth. A good faith doesn’t linger too long in the rubble; instead a good faith picks itself up and moves forward, doing what it has always done.
Believing further. Looking higher. Walking onward.
Faith keeps going, and faith keeps speaking the truth, even when feelings lag behind.
That is what I did this morning. I spoke my faith despite my feelings, and as I did… something broke in me. Tears began to water my cheeks, and for the first time in a long while, God’s Spirit resonated tenderly with mine. I felt him nearby, and my heart was renewed for the journey ahead.
Sometimes, friends, we need to live our faith out loud and in living color, even when unfamiliar faces serve as our audience. I cannot pretend to be otherwise. Sometimes, my faith isn’t pretty or commendable. Sometimes it lags behind the expectations of others. But always, it lives out loud, and I just have to believe that somewhere in the living and telling of my story, someone else will benefit from the honesty.
There is no set of blueprints that perfectly defines how your faith and mine faith will cadence through until the end. We cannot predict on the front end (nor would we want to) of our ellipses all the “rough and tumble” of our tomorrows. But of this one thing we can be certain…
No matter the stones that present themselves on the path of faith, no matter the potholes and the gravel that serve as precursors to a personal fall, the One who stands at the end of the road is worth it. God is what keeps me going. I may be bloodied from the fall and the wounds may run deep, but you can be sure that I will rise again to a new day’s journey until my feet and my faith have landed me safely home. That is what I told my new friends this morning when the teacher (perhaps stunned and uncomfortable with my tears) thanked me for staying the course of faith.
“He is so worth it. God is the real deal; the only thing I’ve got going on.”
Perhaps this day some of you, like me, boast the bloody knees of a recent fall. Let not your hearts be completely troubled by the stumble; instead, believe further, look higher, walk onward. Remember the truth of your yesterday’s faith, and allow it to be the underpinning that moves you forward this week. Don’t linger too long in your guilt; let God’s forgiveness and love for you be the foundational truth from which you monitor your progress this week. You can never stumble so far as to miss the reach of God. You can never fall too far from his heart so as not to be pulled back into his loving embrace. The enemy would have you think otherwise, but the enemy is a liar. Tell him so, and then keep going. Keep speaking the truth out loud and on purpose, even when your feelings lag behind.
Faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Be careful to listen to his voice this week; be willing to speak it all the more. As always…
Peace for the journey,
PS: I heard God’s voice this past week through the 32 Killian family members that gathered on the shores of SC for a family reunion, but no time more profoundly then the final night when we gathered for a family sing. I pray it blesses your heart as it did mine. Be sure and hang on for the final song by our beloved, Joni… our own Sandi Patty! Shalom.
God is what keeps me going.
This sentence says it all for me down here.
May you get the rest you need and go forward:)
A quick acronym for faith I always use: Forsaking All I Trust Him
Beautiful reminder sweetie. Praying, and so appreciative of your reminder.
"Believing further. Looking higher. Walking onward.
Faith keeps going, and faith keeps speaking the truth, even when feelings lag behind."
These words have ministered to me in a powerful way today…keeping the faith, friend.
Love,
Beth
P.S. What a gifted family…beautiful voices. Wow!
Thank you for these words of encouragement…as I am finding myself in a season of sitting to hear Him…and not being able to…feeling very clouded…and even tempted to 'do' something to get the voice to become clearer…I know He is speaking…and I am way frustrated that I can't hear it clearly!
Bloodied, Bruised and Broken…BUT GOD.
Lovely song by your Joni…I've sung that same arrangement though not in a few years.
"when uncertainties arise to challenge that faith, we need the advantage of a previously rehearsed faith"
I know this one…I so know how true this is.
Hang in there friend. You've been through a major life change. Feel God's gentle hand on your life urging you onward.
Leah
Thanks for this post…I needed to read it today. the enemy loves to kick us when we're down, but you are so right. He is a liar. God is who keeps me moving forward, ever onward toward Him.
Living for Him, Joan
beautiful family moment. The song at the end spoke to my heart…what a gift.
Thanks for the prayers sent my way.
"No matter the stones that present themselves on the path of faith, no matter the potholes and the gravel that serve as precursors to a personal fall, the One who stands at the end of the road is worth it. God is what keeps me going. I may be bloodied from the fall and the wounds may run deep, but you can be sure that I will rise again to a new day’s journey until my feet and my faith have landed me safely home."
That is so fitting for my "now"!!! As soon as we got in the car after church yesterday my husband asked me where I wanted to go next week. He finally came to terms that we cannot worship there any longer. I have felt that for some time as you know but I was waiting for his lead. Yes, we are bloody from the fall but we are looking ahead…someone out there, some other ministry needs us and we have to find where it is. Pray for us as we ventue forward. I am scared but excited at the same time. Scared of rejection, excited about serving again.
My work computer is blocking your video…I'll be back tonight.
My husband wants to start a Bible study together. I reminded him we should be receiving your books any day….Yahoo!!!
Believing Him~Pamela
Before I read any blog posts today God put it on my heart to post to my own blog first. I saved your blog post till the very end, last but not least! What a sweet read! My post echoes your post; a simple review of faith.
oh wow Elaine. this post leaves me just breathless with the truth of Him and His Word! your words just penetrated and spoke deep to my heart.
"Perhaps this day some of you, like me, boast the bloody knees of a recent fall" – those words just really hit home with me and I pray that i get up from that stumble and walk more worthy of who He has called me to be.
love to you –
I actually thought that Jesus was going to come on that last note that she sang!!! WOW!! What a song – what a set of lungs and what a PRAISE to our God!!!
WRT your new life — I can just share one small thing that God has been whispering in my ear of late:
"Just do the NEXT thing."
Hope that encourages you for the week!
Miss you friend. Praying for you much! Still loving your book! It's so powerful in my life right now!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
Hi Elaine, I've been catching up on blog visits tonight. I needed these words right now. Thank you for writing what I cannot.
Elaine, I so appreciate the depth of your posts. Your words are His. So write on, He's watching and smiling over your willingness to get up and go for Him. For us.
Thank you.
Love and hugs,
tiff
Elaine…you have done it again…"a previously rehearsed faith"…how many times have I relied on that but never actually named it…your words truly spoke to my heart…
I LOVED the reunion sing along…what a special time of love and fellowship that so many families never get to experience…you are blessed…but you know that already….
The older I get the more I believe that what is UNSEEN is more real than what IS SEEN.
I have walked many a broken road – roads broken by others, and roads broken by me. What I do know is that there is always a way, in Him, to navigate them. Even broken roads can be firm beneath our feet.
I love walking it out with you, friend.
Kathleen
“Faith moves forward… faith anchors itself in the unseen. Faith doesn’t base its hope in emotion but in the truth.”
Words I needed to hear this morning. I have some decisions that need to be made by the weekend. It appears to be two 'no win' roads ahead, each path will bring a disappointment…but one must be God's choice. Trusting He will clearly direct and take care of all the consequences.
Love ya Elaine. Praying for you.
Hugs,
Joy
Hi Elaine,
I'm Cindy from the blog I Owe it All to Him…I had seen your post about the Walmart story and loved it (I saw it on Patty's blog.)
I wanted to let you know that I am having a link party that will start on Friday and be open thru Sunday night…All I'm asking is for people to post their favorite Bible verse on their blogs and link them up…Pretty simple, but powerful. I'd love it if you'd join us.
http:Ioweitalltohim.blogspot.com
Hugs and blessings,
Cindy
What a beautiful post and in God's perfect timing. I posted this morning about distress, distraction and strife. All three attack me when my life gets to busy with busyness. Your post has proved a grounding point for me and I thank you for stepping out in obedience. Blessings, Patty@seeds of faith.
Your words blessed me especially:
"“He is so worth it. God is the real deal; the only thing I’ve got going on.”"
The video — oh my was I blessed! Loved Pops at the opening leading in Amazing Grace…awesome quartet later on but the sister at the end…I came undone with her. She took me into the Throne Room. She sang her heart out in worship and I prayed my heart out in worship as I listened to her. BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks for sharing my friend. Praying for you!