Faith is a curious thing. It’s one of the most powerful substances on Earth, yet we can’t see it, we can’t smell it, and it has no sound. It has no taste nor can we feel it in our hands. How then do we hold on to faith, something so vital to our very existence, yet completely intangible?
In 2016, the home of some close friends was flooded with a foot of water over the Memorial Day weekend. It was a long six-month process of cleanup and remodeling before they were able to settle their babies safely back in their own beds. So, a few weeks ago when the news of hurricane Harvey’s landfall began to consume local news and social media feeds, they began to prepare themselves and their home as they prayed, full of faith, against a repeat disaster.
To everyone’s relief, they made it through the storm without a drop of water in their home! Their faith was greatly magnified, but in the days following the wind and rain, this increase of faith was threatened as their story began to take a turn and their world suddenly began to look dark, very dark.
Word reached them that the reservoir near their home had to be drained in order to release the enormous pressure on the nearby levees. This process would inevitably cause their neighborhood to flood, and most likely their home. With great urgency, they were encouraged to evacuate as quick as they could! Just when they thought they had made it through safely, it seemed a storm cloud was forming directly above their home with intents on destruction.
When the draining began, the first day brought about 12” of water in their home and then stopped. This was the worst of it, and nothing more than the previous year. It would test their resolve, but they could handle this. They made it into the neighborhood and were able to get to the house to store some family treasures in the attic just in case their nightmare wasn’t over. Sadly, their fears were about to be realized. In the hours that followed, the reservoir was drained even more and their precious home was soon under water, all the way to the roof line. A total loss.
In a recent conversation with them, they shared how they awaken one day feeling strong and full of faith and yet, the very next day they can feel completely overwhelmed with hopelessness and devastation. I can only imagine the inner turmoil raging inside of them as they make preparations for months of displacement and hard labor to restore their lives once again. Imagine the roller coaster of emotions, thinking you have made it through the storm only to have it circle back around and target your family!
How do we maintain faith in circumstances that challenge our very belief in faith?
- Continue to trust that He is good.
We must first, and foremost, hold tight to the truth that He is good! It is His nature and He cannot lie. His Word says:
"God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19)
- Don’t be so connected to this world that you forget what’s really important.
We must remember that this life is only an introduction to eternity. Though Jesus does take great interest in the troubles we go through, His goal isn’t to keep us comfortable. Ultimately, He wants to prepare us for an eternity of Love, Joy and Peace with Him. - Lean on those around you.
We were never meant to do life alone. Each of us have something to offer the other and each of us have needs. God has created us to live interdependently with each other, being secure in both. If you don’t have a strong community of support around you, Jesus promises to be that as well. - Don’t quit.
Let me say it again, DON’T QUIT! Jesus said that in this world we will experience trouble. Did you catch that? Remember, Jesus can’t lie so it’s basically a promise! Wow, not really the kind of promises we want from God’s Word. But Jesus doesn’t stop there. Look at the whole verse:
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
I love that Jesus is The Author and The Finisher of our faith. Here’s one final scripture:
"If we are faithless, He remains Faithful, He cannot deny Himself.” (2Timothy 2:13)
When our faith fails - when we are faithless - He promises to be faithfull for us. It is in these moments where it may seem like our faith has walked out on us that we can remind ourselves that “He who began a good work in you is FAITHFUL to complete it.” You don't have to sit wondering if your faith is enough to see you through. Rest assured that if you have even the tiniest bit to start, Jesus is The Author of it and He will finish Faith in you. You can walk through the storm confidently knowing He’s right with you.
Final thought ...
I’ve heard it said “When life gives you lemons make lemonade.” But I say, “When life gives you lemons just give them to Jesus!” In the battle of Faith vs. Lemons, Faith will win every time! Jesus turns water into wine, He creates rivers in the dessert and he will make a way where there seems to be no way.
I want to hear your thoughts - please comment below! What situation are you facing (or maybe you have overcome) that seems to threaten your very faith?
