On Faith

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If you know me at all, one thing you learn pretty quickly is that I am real. I don’t put up walls, or pretense. I am just me. So, I am going to be real right now. In this very moment I felt moved to sit down and write this blog entry. Several weeks ago, when I was asked to participate in the blog I chose to write about faith. I know, without a doubt, we can all recall times our faith has been tested. In fact, I could write a timeline of the big events in my life that have tested my faith.

Looking back over my life of 42 years, I can see my faith as it has ebbed and flowed. I think when I volunteered to write about faith God had a little chuckle. Here’s why: We are a family of 6. As we are trying our best to raise our 4 kids, my husband is going through a job transition that can make life tough. On this particular day, the hottest day of the summer so far, our dryer has broken, the pool pump is out of commission, my husband’s car has to be put in the shop for some overheating issues, and our air conditioner went out. While I realize all of those things are material, and not life or death, they are all things that must be repaired—and sooner rather than later! And certainly an added layer of stress. After I discovered the air conditioner issue, I broke down. I sobbed as my husband sat patiently behind the dryer on a stool watching a YouTube video on how to repair the dryer. He calmly said, “Can you read me that verse that you read aloud during your quiet time?” I thought he was joking. “No, really. Go get it.” So, through my blurry, teary eyes I got my Bible.

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. James 1:12

With a quivering lip, I read the words aloud. Twice. Did you see what that said? Happy is the one who endures testing. Y’all, that was in my devotional reading on this particular day! I went back to my room and fell to my knees. I prayed. I prayed for my faith to be stronger than my fear. I prayed for these burdens to be lifted. I prayed that the Devil would stop preying on my fears of loss. I took a really deep breath and proclaimed my trust in our Lord because Hebrews 11:1 teaches us the exact definition of faith.

Faith is being sure of things you hope for and certain of things you cannot see.

After that I got up. I still felt a little anxious, but relieved that once again, I gathered my faith, and I was reminded that I serve a God that carries my burdens. Just like Lauren Daigle sings in her song “Everything:”

“Even the sparrow has a place to lay its head, so why would I let worries steal my breath?”

Our God knows the hairs on our heads! Ladies, this will not be the last time my faith is tested and then bolstered. It will not be the last time my knees hit the floor in despair. But I know every time I stand up, my faith is renewed, and I am happy as I am one who has endured testing!