God has been teaching me a lot about faith the last little while. It seems everything I read myself or teach to the kids, situations I find myself in, and every conversation I have points me back to the basics – unshakeable faith in God.
For example, there’s the situation of our house – we don’t own a home, we rent. And I’ve been totally content with it until this past week when the banks dropped mortgage rates again to something crazy like 3%, which will sky-rocket the price of houses even further through the roof and push our goal of ever getting our own house further down the road. Discouragement and frustration creeps in, along with sudden discontent in our situation.
But, as I was talking with my husband last night, I began to realize that this kind of struggle is ok. You know why? Because of my relationship with and my desire to trust in God, it forces me to take a step back, and to really SEE what he has done for us.
Gently, God has been revealing to me a need for refreshing my faith. Of course, yesterday morning’s sermon was on the beginning of the Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11:1-6. Faith is ACTIVE – always working. It is rooted in God’s word, the TRUTH – He is who he says he is, he will do what he says he will do. Faith walks anywhere that God may take us. And faith in practice is always pleasing to God.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 ESV)
When I am not content, I am forced to seek God more deeply and to be encouraged by the truth of his word. I am able then to put my faith into action, by CHOOSING to be content.
Up until this week, I have been content with being in our home – but it was because I was always looking ahead to the possibility of a home that is bigger and nicer and would be our own, in the future. And through this discouragement, I have finally come to a place of TRUE acceptance and contentment in our situation – even if we never get our own house, I am content because I am loved by a great God, he has supplied ALL of our needs and so much more, AND he is faithful.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV)
I have had my eyes opened to see just how blessed we are with what we have. Our needs are more than provided for. We have more than enough room to accomodate our family and share our space with others. We may not have the largest kitchen, or the nicest school room/basement, but we can make what God has blessed us with work for us, use it to bless others, and be content in it.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)
I have learned the secret of TRUE contentment, right where we are:
– ASKING for more faith
– SEEING the blessing
– FINDING joy
– BEING content
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (Philippians 4:11-12 ESV)
Write down your blessings, what you are thankful for, the things that you see God working on in your life. Find joy in any and every situation! He is faithful, so very faithful! He is your shepherd, he will lead you and guide you, protect and love you – you will never walk alone!
