Faith

Faith and Believing - Ephesians 1:19

Faith and trust in God have taken on a whole new meaning for me....the call of God to faith for BELIEVERS is so much more different than I had ever imagined or even comprehended before the last 14 months of life. Before this, I thought I had faith in God and His Word. Prior to the past 14 months, I dont recall ever having to completely rely on His Word and His promises....not completely....not like today. Right now, I realize that my life ABSOLUTELY depends on God's Word...on His promises.

The need to have this kind of faith has completely reshaped who I am. Depending on God's Word, His promises, and the fulfillment of those promises for complete survival does that to a person. I realize that is part of His plan. Through difficult times I have realized that God means what He says. For instance in Deuteronomy 8:3 and Romans 1:17 - "man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God" and "the just SHALL LIVE BY FAITH".

As we have journeyed through this past year, I have cried out to God like no other time in my life. In crying out, I never expected Him to respond the way He has. Yet His communication to me through His Word was not lacking. God began answering prayers with affirmative responses...I didnt expect that to be honest! WOW....I was seeking and asking, and God began speaking and confirming things over and over through His Word....WOW!

Now comes the most difficult part - FAITH. "Is God really speaking these things to me?" I wondered so many times. "Can I really believe these things and trust God?" These are just some of the many thoughts I have been bombarded with time and time again. In Ephesians 1:19 Paul states "the exceeding greatness of HIS power toward us who BELIEVE." The word BELIEVE there is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE - meaning that this FAITH is ongoing - continually believing God for who He is, what He has done for us, and what He will continue to do for us....believing His Word in general, but also personal promises that He makes.

I realize, or rather God has helped me to realize that I have had serious trust issues all my life. And now, here He has me....in a position where I have to trust...I have to believe....I have to wait....

HEBREWS 11:6
JAMES 1:3
1 PETER 1:7

Now....by God's grace...attempting to trust and wait...wait and trust.......

God is good...God is faithful!

My life is being defined by God's grace and lovingkindness......thats it.........

Philippians 1:19-20