Test of Faith

I’ve had my faith tested on so many occasions that I can’t count them all and I can’t remember them all. The testing of my faith has always been quite challenging. It shakes away some of the fluff of faith and gets down to the core of what I believe. The writer of Hebrews said: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV) My faith in the Lord is ever expanding as I feel His Presence and see His Power displayed.

Moses was instructed by the Lord to send 12 explorers (aka spies) into the land of Canaan to see what things were like. Check this out…

17 When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, ‘Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. 19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.’ (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) (Numbers 13:17-20 NIV)

As I read the instructions given to the explorers, I don’t really see that he’s asking for opinion or commentary. He asked them for factual information not strategy. However when they gave their report their lack of faith was obvious. Caleb tries to turn the tide but fear had now replaced faith.

I am not going to paint myself as someone of great faith because fear is always just milliseconds away. I know from my faith journey that God is able to do impossible things. He is strong enough to do anything. He never fails. I do want to cultivate my faith in Him to do miracles. Most recently I’ve watched a sweet family going through a dark valley where faith is all that they have to hang on too. Their young son needs a heart transplant. I’ve been intensely praying for the Lord to do a miracle. I feel like it’s a “Catch 22” because for little Jake to receive a heart, another child must die. I’m having hard conversations with the Lord because I’ve become connected to this sweet family. At the end of my conversations regarding Jake – I want the Lord’s will. He knows things I can’t possibly know. He sees things I can’t possibly see. I do know that with Him I ALWAYS have Hope.

As I was reading this passage this morning, I was remembering a great song my Natalie Grant “Your Great Name”. It reminds me where my faith is founded.

I want to walk through this day with my faith firmly anchored in Him. He is the Author and Perfecter of my faith. I will wilt in fear without Him. With Him I can face anything that this world throws at me. I am so thankful for His Presence in me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne