Faith: (n.) complete trust or confidence in someone or something
Hebrews 11:1
New King James Version (NKJV): Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC): Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
First off, let me say HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Whew, *wipes forehead* 2020 was not for the faint of heart.
Today, I want to talk about faith because 2020 was definitely a year of testing my faith. Initially, I had no idea what the topic of my New Year post was going to be; however, over the final few weeks of 2020 the subject of faith came up quite a few times letting me know that I needed to focus on that area. First, James 1:3 kept popping up in my head. Now, I have never claimed to be the one to know where to find scripture and spit them out with ease; this scripture was no different. One night when I finally took the time to read the scripture, it focused on the purpose behind the testing of FAITH. That had me sit down for a bit as I had been praying about some things related to the testing of my faith. Second, my family ordered me a pair of “pray” earrings for Christmas. When I opened the gift the company sent me their “faith” earrings instead, which were not listed on the site. At this point God had my attention forreal. Following that, in the last week of 2020 the third and fourth instances occurred on the same day. Both happened to be sermons, which was out of the blue since I kind of stopped putting as much time in virtual church services or messages. God led me to listen to my pastor’s sermon on Sunday. His sermon happened to be on faith, based on the two blind men that asked Jesus to heal them in Matthew 9:27-31. Later that evening while wasting time on YouTube the fourth incident took place. After a video ended, YouTube seamlessly transitioned into a service that was already broadcasting. Side note: I don’t like coming into sermons/messages in the middle and I had not been watching videos from this particular ministry in a while. God told me to sit and listen. As I listened she connected the story of Jeremiah to faith in one part. Reflecting on all four occurrences around faith, I know God was getting my attention for things in the New Year and things that I have been praying about. God put faith in front of me the numerous times mentioned to not only reassure me of the things that I have been in prayer about, but to also water my seeds of faith as I prepare for and transition into 2021. Something greater than me was connected to those moments. Out of those moments there was a word for not only me, but for someone else too.
Okay, okay. Back to 2020 and it’s testing of my faith. The countless curveballs thrown throughout the year took a toll on me and my faith in some areas. Situations that I had been hopeful and praying for last year seemed to have been halted. I fell off some but was strengthened to get back up and grab a hold of my faith. I had to remind myself of God’s faithfulness and the times He came through, even in 2020. Reflecting over the past year, I realize God really kept me in all the chaos. There was a pivotal moment in my life, pre-pandemic, where my faith opened doors unimaginable. As the year progressed, more doors opened from the original doors. It’s easy to get so caught up in the “right now” and “in your face” that we forget that God is bigger than any situation, causing our faith to suffer. Once we are able to “look back” or “take a step back” our view of the situation and God is clearer. That was me. As unfavorable events piled on top of one another my vision and view of God became blurry and distorted. I had to take a step back. Well, that and ask God to heal my unbelief countless times.
I know that I was not isolated in my experience with faith in the past year. Many experienced the ebb and flow, high and lows pertaining to faith as things continued to happen. Though the things may not have broken us down, they did somehow chip away at the faith that we leaned on. For some it pulled the faith of our mothers, grandmothers, and loved ones from out beneath us. More than ever, many were shown the importance of having our own relationship with God, which needs to be grounded in faith. It was a year that emphasized our need for faith, our need for a strong faith rooted in the word and our experiences with God.
It is important that we keep faith, especially in times of uncertainty. Though the world and our environment may rage around us, faith keeps us grounded and hopeful. Grounded in the word and the fact that we are in God’s hands. Hopeful in our knowledge that God hears, sees, and will never forsake us. Year 2021, as with every tomorrow, is a mystery to us. We have no idea about what will take place. We must not allow the unfavorable events of yesterday (or yesteryear) or uncertainty of tomorrow strip us of our faith. Cling to faith and your belief in God with all that you have. Although we may not be in control, it is reassuring that God who loves us is in total control.
God very recently revealed to me that my faith in Him was not complete. He had me to evaluate my faith beyond my desires. I knew that I should have faith in my requests and things asked for (Matthew 9:29). However, my faith regarding God’s decisions and movements in my life outside of my desires was a little weak. I was left asking myself if I truly had faith that God’s plan was to prosper and not harm me, one for a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
I leave you with the same question that was posed to me. Does your faith in God extend beyond your desires and into God’s omnipotence over your life?
As we move in this new year, my prayer and hope is that we all elevate to new heights in our faith.
Peace & Love
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