Becoming resolute in faith
Patuna Chasm in the Wairarapa in New Zealand was a local walk I had been wanting to do for years. However, not just any walk. Full of beautiful scenery, bush, a river to cross, banks and paths to go up and down, hills to climb, it was a huge step of faith as walkers were required to have a moderate level of fitness. The physical demands on my aging body were almost too much but I would not turn back, I was going to do this.
This new destination needed resources that I had ‘on board’ but had not engaged with, until I got to each new obstacle. Just as a vehicle has to changes gears to go up hills, sometimes we have to dig deep into our ‘faith gearbox’ when we face mountains that seem insurmountable.
Recently, I needed to make a change on how I was dealing with a (seemingly unsolvable) long term problem. Many years, tears, prayers and poor reactions had not achieved the outcome I was hoping for.
The situation will not change unless I choose to dig deep into a gear I know exists by faith, a place of resolute faith in God. He can level mountains but He looks for my willingness to engage my faith and hope in Him alone. There are no guarantees here that the problem will be solved but making a gritty confession of ‘even though’ , is a huge faith step.
Do you have any even though situations in your life?
Just like the Patuna chasm, I had to make a decision that even though my level of fitness was not great, I was going to press on, even though it might not work out. The same applies to my faith ‘level of fitness’.
In Daniel 3 verse 16 – 18 (NIV) we read that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego told King Nebuchadnessar in verse 17. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it and he will rescue us from your hand O king. verse 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your god’s or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Other examples of resolute faith include Queen Esther who made a decision to go before the king uninvited. In Esther Chapter 4 verse 16 (NIV) Righ at the end of verse 16 we read, and if I perish, I perish. Queen Esther had made a deciison ahead of time that even if it didn’t work out she was going to see the King.
In Habakkuk Chapter 3 verse 17 and 18 (NIV) we read Though the fig tree does not bud…., Habakkuk will rejoice in the Lord, He will be joyful in God his saviour.
What wonderful examples of faith going to another level, digging deeper, relying on the character of Christ alone. How that must warm His heart!!
Where are you today? Are you walking in the shallow end of your faith, hoping for something to change?
My long term problem is not going away any time soon but I do know that as I’ve chosen to cast the problem totally over to God for Him to work out in His time, I have crossed a faith bridge over into Even Though land. There is a whole new level of faith required to get there and I will need to remind myself often that I’m sticking to a new route. Even though it might not work out. Even though the mountains might remain standing.
Is your faith looking at what God can do? Have you found Him faithful all these years?
Can you sing with me….even if you don’t, my hope is You alone
Thank you for sharing your ‘even if’ experience, it resonated with me so much. I’ve often prayed for things and baulked, thinking well maybe if it isn’t the lord’s Will, I realize He knows best. And then wondered if it wasn’t a lack faith claiming it without doubts. So this was a wonderful reminder of so many Bible characters feeling the same way. I’d completely overlooked their ‘even ifs’. Your message was a great encouragement to me. (For some reason I can’t get your writer post on F/book so I’ve asked to be a friend . . . that might help.)
Thank you.