Faith is one thing I have never struggled with. I have never questioned whether God was real, never questioned if He hears my prayers, or never questioned what the bible told me. I have always thought myself pretty lucky that I have never struggled with this. I have been confronted several times of why I believe in God and it is so second nature to me, I have a hard time relaying my feelings to someone who doesn't get it. I find it so strange that someone can look around the world and not see God's hand in everything.
This week even though it was an easy topic for me, it was a nice be to reassured in God's wonderful faithfulness. One of my favorite parts in the study was at the beginning of Day 2 when we had to list all the "Hall of Faith" heroes. I have heard all the stories a million times, but it was nice to go back over all these people who had to put all their faith in God. Even though their task seemed impossible or difficult, they trusted God and their lives were blessed because of their faithfulness. I stopped long enough to put myself in their shoes and thought about how hard it would have been to build an ark when everyone thought I was mad, or at 100 or so years old finally having my first child only then to have God say I had to give him as an offering. Their faith was so strong in God, that they did whatever He called them to do. That got me thinking...could I do that? What if He called me to do something that would test this faith I am so proud of? I had to think about it. I'm not sure I would have done it willingly. I think I would have questioned God over and over to make sure this was truly something He needed me to do. Maybe after wrestling with it I might have done it, but I'm almost sure it would not have been without a fight. I realized that those in the "Hall of Faith" did what was asked of them and I felt in awe that they were able to handle God's calling sometimes without a fight.
I am curious how y'all felt. Is faith easy for you or have you struggled with it? Have you been questioned just as I have about your faith? If so, what was your answer? Faith is a topic that I loving having but like I said, it is so second nature to me that I have a hard time expressing my feelings and why I know my prayers will be answered in His time and as He sees fit. If you feel comfortable please share, if not and you want to email me (kcmayeur@yahoo.com), please feel free to do that as well.
I hope after this week y'all were reminded of God's amazing faithfulness even when we may not be as faithful to Him.
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For a long time I was very similar to you - in that the faith thing came very easy to me too. It wasn't until a few years ago that I really started to question what I believed. I've listened to sermons in the past that talked about how it was okay to have doubts or to question - and that it was normal. But I used to never want to even vaguely question His greatness...I was afraid of the consequences! But in all honestly it has been through these struggles with faith and these questions and doubts that I have come to know Him better. And to understand the relationship I have with Him better. I don't think there is any shame in having doubts or wavering faith - God will always be the faithful One who shows us He is real when we may not be sure.
ReplyDeleteI can't ever remember questioning that there was God,never have I doubted that,ever. I would like to say that my faith has never waivered either. I do consider myself to have a strong faith except when I read the characteristics of those with tremendous faith like those listed in the "hall of faith."
ReplyDeleteDay 3 told us that "faith transforms character" and the statement was made that "you may not always be aware of another person's absence of faith, BUT you will quickly be aware of another person's presence of faith!" I just had to think, hmmm...do people see the presence of faith in my life?
I have some precious friends that I see such a tremendous amount of faith in their lives. They have experienced losses that I can't even begin to comprehend. I stand in awe of their faith!
Then there's the fear factor--fear is the arch enemy of faith. So, I have to ask myself, if I have such strong faith why do I allow fear to cripple me. Again, I was reminded that Satan strives to turn our doubts into fears and our fears into panic. He does a pretty good job with me sometimes and I get frustrated with myself because I allow it to happen. But, like Emily said, God understands our doubts and our questions. So,I think it's important for us to work through those questions & doubts, to seek answers in God's Word, through prayer, or from a respected Pastor so that we do grow in our relationship with God.
Recently I made the comment that this was the third time I had done this particular Bible Study and someone remarked, "you must be a slow learner." She was right, often, I wonder "will I ever get it right?"
I'm a work in process and I don't expect to ever get it right but I keep praying and seeking the face of the God I serve who is Faithful.