Thursday, April 16, 2009

Faith is a Muscle

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and not delay." - Habakkuk 2:3

In our society we love being in charge of ourselves, and we’re happy with God when we get what we want. But so many turn their backs on the Lord and start doubting their faith the second things become difficult.

Faith is a daily refresher. It’s a choice that we need to make every morning- that we will Trust in the Lord for the trials and blessings of the day to come. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is far off – we’re given today and we need to choose to trust God for today and everyday.

It’s easy to trust in the Lord when things are going great in our lives. Those times when we have the right job, a new car, a great house, wonderful friends, supportive family members – and no hardship or struggle is in our way. But the second life gets tough – we lose that job, we crash that car, the house falls apart, our friends walk out on us, and our family is against us – so many of us just give up and throw in the towel saying “I can’t do this, it’s too hard” and then give up on the Lord.

We need to have the faith of Job who lost everything he loved (wealth, home, children, and friends) in one day and who said, “God, even if you kill me, I’ll still trust in you.” What we need to realize is that God is big enough to get us through anything. Did you get that? God can and will get us through ANYTHING. He’s not the one that plots evil against us – God is love, not evil. He wants good for our lives – not harm. It’s the devil that is tempting us, it’s the devil that is attacking us – to see if our faith in the Lord is as strong as we say it is when things are going well in our lives.

A great way to look at faith is like a muscle. As we go through more trials and struggles, it’s like using weights to strengthen our faith. As more struggles come along, the stronger we are in our faith to carry us through those issues and more difficult one's as they arise.

Do you ever notice that those who have been through the most difficult times, have the most incredible faith in God’s providence, protection, and care than anyone else? It’s because as they have faced their struggles and had faith in God to carry them through the trying times, their “faith muscle” has been strengthened, so that they may be carried through the next season of trials. The stronger your faith is, the more burdens your heart can carry.

God is big enough to get you through anything… He is able, and He is bigger than any issue or struggle that ever comes your way. Our God is bigger than the addiction, He’s able to carry our burdens when we can’t. He’s restores families and friendships. He loves those who feel unloveable. He fills those that feel empty. He cares for those in pain.

What is your choice today? Will you trust in your own selfish desires and will to get you through the obstacles? Or will you pass your burdens to Jesus to carry you through? He is faithful, loving, and standing next to you every step of the way – and you will get through this. For we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

Not by ourselves, but with Christ.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” – Prov. 16:9

May God’s will be done in our lives as we Trust in Him.

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