Mid-Week Message - Faith

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1  (NIV)

"Just what makes that little ol' ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant?  Everyone knows an ant can't, move a rubber tree plant.  But he has high hopes..."  Do you remember that song?  It is the one that was playing in my mind when I awoke this morning.  

I wasn't feeling well yesterday and before I went to sleep last night I was concerned about what I would write today.  I guess maybe the song was God's gift meant to direct me.  Thank you, Lord!  

We all have difficult times and uncertainties to navigate.  Just like the little ant that had to move that plant, we encounter situations that we feel inadequate to handle.  Illnesses, financial issues, problems with our children, job loss or a host of other troubles can knock us to our knees both physically and spiritually.  But we need not feel alone.  Our Father is always there to call upon.  Indeed, He delights when we recognize His love for us and place our faith in Him.  

However, it isn't always easy to "let go and let God", as the saying goes.  It is within our nature to want to control things.  Having faith in God means allowing Him to be the One in control.  This means trusting Him to do the right thing, even if it doesn't match our vision of what should happen.  

I have been praying for several people and several situations for awhile now.  If you are like me then you know that the longer you pray about something, the more you being to wonder if that prayer will come to fruition.  I believe that God answers every prayer.  Sometimes His answer is a resounding yes, which is very exciting!  But, sometimes the answer is "not yet" and sometimes the answer is no.  God's timing is different from our own and because He sees all of history in one glance, He knows what is best for us even though we may not see things the way He does.

I have always loved to hear life stories from older Christians.  Many of them fought in wars, went through the depression and have had tremendous struggles.  But what each of these folks will share is how Almighty God carried them through these times.  They will tell you that He is always trustworthy and that His love is mightier than anything else.  

Whatever you find yourself dealing with, I urge you to take it to Him.  Pour out your heart then trust Him to do what is best.  This time will pass and He will see you through.  God bless.