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"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Ps. 56:3, NIV
We got some devastating news this week. One of our family members is facing a scary
health crisis. When I meet these types
of challenges, my first intention is to meet the crisis with faith. But I must admit that, at times, something
inside me sinks. I feel like retreating
rather than attacking. I feel like
tucking and running.
Have you ever struggled with these types of spiritual
conflicts? There is almost a
schizophrenia or two-mindedness. A war between the spirit man and the natural.
A conflict between fear and faith; doubt and belief.
I wish I were one of those "super Christians" who
always is on spiritually. But, alas, I am just a flesh and blood believer. Sometimes I feel weak. Intimidated.
Other times, I feel invincible.
Revved up and bullet-proof.
As I fought to gain traction in my faith response, I
realized that something in me was disappointed that God had not averted this
crisis from us. I wanted
deliverance. Protection. But instead, He provided a "walk
through." A situation that will
require us to lean on Him. Listen more
closely. Something to stretch our faith
and challenge our comfort.
Then the question came to mind. If God only kept us from trouble, what kind
of witness would we have? What kind of
followers would He have? Probably droves of people signing on for an
easy, cheap, rendition of discipleship. A
protection plan sans the required devotion.
That is the not the kind of weak, wimpy, followers that God
is seeking. He is seeking ordinary men
and women like the young David, who amidst bullying, ridicule and rejection,
arose to slay a giant. With one smooth
stone. And the Rock of Ages!
He is seeking women like Esther, who will rise up, "for
such a time as this." He is seeking
people like Paul and Silas who will preach and proclaim even if it means
imprisonment or death.
He is seeking those who will dare to follow him in radical
obedience. Overcoming faith. Blind trust.
Oh, God, that I would rise to the
challenge!
Dear Lord, I need you. I pray
that you will cause my spirit man to rise up in confidence and strength. Forgive me for accepting defeat, when you
purchased victory. Sanctity my thoughts,
my mind, my faith. I make a choice to
believe in You and to wait on your deliverance.
I admit I am afraid. But while I
am, I WILL trust in you. In
Jesus' Name. Amen.
© Sherri Evans Ministries 2015. All rights reserved. Used by permission. For booking schedule and information: sherrievans@sherrievansministries.com
