“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV
In our culture/society, we are taught to believe only that in which we can see to be proven true, but from a spiritual perspective, it is the complete opposite. For believers, having complete faith in God means trusting and believing in the unseen, where there is no physical proof. We can say we have faith, but it is what we do in those moments when we are feeling down and out, broken-hearted, broken-spirited, facing hard times, serious consequences, or dire situations that will show the true measure of our faith. We will either put all of our faith, hope, and trust in God or we will allow our feelings or circumstances to overwhelm us and fill us with doubt and unbelief.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 KJV
There are numerous scriptures or stories regarding faith throughout the bible, but you do not really get a true understanding or the meaning of faith until you have to apply those scriptures to your own life. I can personally attest to that because for the past couple of months, I have had to cling to God and rely heavily on my faith in Him to get me through. And it is because of Faith, I have the confidence and strength to continue sharing what He has done/is doing in my life, in hopes that it may strengthen and encourage others. It is not always easy to do, but it is necessary….
Two months ago, my husband and I lost our babies. Unfortunately, due to my previous experience (which I have written about in earlier blogs), we chose to share the news that we were expecting, only with our parents. What started out with nervous excitement quickly turned into heartbreak and painful devastation. There were so many questions and little answers. During that time, I didn’t understand what I was supposed to learn from this experience or how I could use this situation for something positive or better yet, write about. I didn’t understand what kind of encouragement I could give to others, at the time, when I desperately needed it. I have experienced painful loss in the past, but this has been the first hard trial that I have faced since I have been on this spiritual journey—truly walking with God and living for Him. But this time my experience was different because my relationship with Him is completely different than before.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
In the midst of my devastation……feeling burnt out, physically, mentally, and emotionally tired…...the human side of me wanted to shut out the world and everything in it but in my heart, I knew spiritually, that God would not want or allow me to stay in this place of hurt. Being isolated or withdrawn can play right into the devil’s hands. And if we are not careful, our pain can lead us into a depressive state or way of thinking. Therefore, I fought through my anxiety, held on to God with all of my might, and used His Word to minister to me because I knew only, He could get me through this. After many tears, sleepless nights, and prayers, I was led to fast and read the book of Esther. In the book of Esther, God is not mentioned once but His hand was evident. In order for Esther’s people to be saved, she had all of them, including her servants to fast for 3 days in faith that God would deliver them. She didn’t know what God was going to do but she believed that God would move on their behalf. The events that transpired after the fast were proof that God heard them and was with them.
“But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 KJV
Like Esther, I didn’t know what God was going to do but I knew that He was going to make everything all right. So I did as He commanded. I held fast to my faith, and it gave me the strength and resilience to keep going and to keep pushing forward. God began to heal my broken heart, restore my joy and give me peace. As I began putting this blog together, He gave me revelations to some of my unanswered questions and I even began to receive unexpected blessings.
Trials are a part of life….as much as they may hurt, I thank God for them because it keeps me humble and from being complacent in my walk with Him. I know and understand that whatever trials I go through that God has purposed it for His glory and for my good. Regardless of what I feel, regardless of the circumstances — it will not hinder what I believe — for my faith is not contingent upon them. Even if my physical healing doesn’t come, on this side of heaven, I know that He is still able.
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV
When we experience trauma or life-changing experiences of any kind, it is hard, and it takes courage and strength to put on a brave face and be “normal” when you’re internally broken. Sometimes the outside world has no idea of what you are going through, but through faith in God, you manage to persevere. We may not always understand why we must face certain situations, but we must trust and believe that God has a plan and a purpose that surpasses our understanding. Remember that God is still good, even when what we are going through may be more painful than what we expected or could even imagine. He will give us the spiritual stamina and endurance to keep running this race and to remain faithful. Know that God's Will will be done in our lives —whether our prayers are answered, or we receive the desires of our hearts. Keep trusting in Him and in His timing. And we must keep praising Him, not only in the good times but when they are hard, and we can’t see our way through.
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 KJV
God is Sovereign. He is a Comforter, a Healer, and a Redeemer.
Continue to walk by faith even if you don’t know what is up ahead!
