Following in Faith

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:8‬ ‭
Today, many of us feel stuck, on hold, even in retreat. We are not sure where we are going. In fact, we are certain we are not going anywhere, as we sit in our homes, hoping that this grave circumstance will change and we can go–somewhere! Even those who are out and serving in the health crisis are managing in a state of uncertainty. But God is always leading us somewhere. Faith is staying the course with God even when we don't have any idea where we are going. How we do that is unique to each. Some have heard from the Lord, others are leaning on the promises we read in The Word, while still others yield the day, the circumstances, or the questions to the Lord in prayer. There are endless combinations, as well. We are all called to follow and serve in a myriad of different ways. However you are following Him, there is a promise fulfilled at the end. He is faithful. As His family, we are promised an inheritance in Jesus. In the gray mist of this present life, we can remember that however confused or lost we might feel, Jesus is not lost. And our obedience to God's call will bring us to the place where we belong. 

Lord, as we tread through uncertainty, help us stay full of faith, and remember the place you are leading us is altogether good.

Taking Every thought Captive

Thankfully I realize I do not need to listen to everything that comes into my head. While always wanting to hear God, I have, at times, pressed in too hard. He will make His voice known. The question is not whether I hear, but whether I recognize it and listen to it. But plenty comes in: Thoughts I heard from others in the past, lines that came from news, memories from my life, inane thoughts that do not bear listening to, sinful responses that need to float out, and opinions that sometimes are worth repeating, but often are not filled with the wisdom and knowledge necessary to make them useful. But my feelings and thoughts still matter. And what I think is worth acknowledgment. Because God made me and you. I just do not need to pay much attention to everything. But–when I hear that “voice,” the impression of a word, a name, a song that is well timed, not something I would normally think or even know the meaning of, I take notice. Images that stand out from others, and align with scripture–those I need to see. And gratitude that emerges needs air time. These arrive from a space that this world is still working on understanding. It is not exclusively my brain. It is God's Spirit in me and spiritual beings around me. Those of us who have experienced enough to know God speaks today, and that there is a spiritual realm, a dimension we have yet discovered scientifically, know to listen. God uses our brains to reach in to us. But noise comes in too, which is why discernment is so important.

When my own thoughts conform to God's righteousness, I need to listen to my inner voice that is clear and synthesizes and sifts to offer ideas, thoughts, solutions, perceptions, and awarenesses needed to live. But we need each other to check ourselves, test our thoughts, and understand what brings value and what does not. Together we bring the various perspectives of God in His majestic diversity. We alone can never do that. He did not intend it that way. Together we make up the body of Christ. He is the head, and He speaks.

Am I on a reverie? Sift my words and ask God, because without you, I am not sure.

Fear of Giving in to Fear

When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” because he was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26:3, 7, 31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is interesting that God had just spoken to Isaac that He was going to bless him due to his father Abraham's obedience; and that he would make Isaac's descendants “as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands.” Yet, when he came in to Gerar, Isaac still lied to the leaders that Rebecca was is sister, because he was afraid they would kill him. So, despite the word God had just given him, he was fearful of death, and he even sinned to protect himself and his wife. Was he thinking that the promise would end because of this encounter with these people, and he had to take it in his hands to make sure that didn't happen? Was he trying to use his best wisdom to preserve his life and therefore the promise? Was he just acting out of anxiety and fear, impulsively and protecting himself? Regardless, God did not hold this against him or nullify his promise. He did not punish him or reduce his blessing. He turned the situation to good, and delivered on the promise he had made to both Abraham and Isaac, Isaac's behavior not withstanding. Is that because Isaac's intentions were good? Is it because God just showed him mercy? Is it because God knows our weaknesses and that we will not be perfect? is it because God understands the nature of fear, despite faith? Is it because no matter what, that God will never backtrack on His word? Probably all of these and more. Our ways are not his ways. But as we falter in our own weaknesses, and get afraid despite what we know from the word of God, we can remember that God is not put off by our frailty. He will not condemn what he has already saved. And he is not seeking to pin us when we stumble. He has plans for us, to give us a future and hope as we follow him. He never changes.