FAITH

God must grow weary of my shaky faith and lack of patience.  I give great lip service to believing Him and trusting His Word---but my memory is VERY short term and I suffer faith amnesia at times.




It never fails to amaze me when He sends me a word.  Why I am surprised, when it has happened over and over--I cannot tell you. I listened to a sermon podcast today that hit me squarely between the eyes---He was once again reminding me of Who He Is!

Many of us have circumstances or occurrences in our lives that leave us wondering "What possible good can be done for The Kingdom in this?"  It is no secret---I have asked the question over and over in my own circumstance.  BUT GOD---




The sermon came from the story of Joseph as told in Genesis.  We all know the story--by heart.  Joseph's brothers sold him to traders and he ended up in Egypt.  Things are going great and BAM--he is thrown into prison under false accusations.  (A woman spurned is a dangerous thing)  But THEN Joseph gains favor with Pharaoh by interpreting dreams.  All for the eventual purpose of feeding God's chosen people during a famine.  What man intended for evil---God used for good!  



"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

Genesis 50:20


It has been very difficult to see what possible good would come from the breaking apart of my family.  I clung to the promises--but begged for an explanation.  I moved to Texas---to be near family--and away from the daily reminder of all I had lost.  What good could possibly come?  BUT GOD---

I have slowly established a relationship with a young friend who is seeking answers and has been wandering in the spiritual wilderness most of her life.  She is beginning to open up to the possibility of reading The Word together.  We are not there yet---but pray with me she becomes open to the dialogue.  

I was reminded by a dear friend yesterday---perhaps the reason I am in Texas is for this dear young woman.  Perhaps God will use me to draw her to Him.  To quote my friend, "All your pain and suffering---are they not worth it if this one soul is saved?"  I looked at her as I thought this over and responded, "Was I worth all the pain and suffering Jesus suffered so that I might be saved?"  My answer is a resounding YES!  Yes--I have endured great sorrow---BUT GOD---can use that to lead one more precious soul to Jesus---

So to close out what I am thankful for with---FAITH.  Faith that all things are used by Him to further His Kingdom--even those things which man intends for evil--even those things which make absolutely no sense--even when I never see a reason.  BUT GOD---can use all things.

I am thankful for the reminders and especially for the Faith--to KNOW AS I KNOW----ALL THINGS!

28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him,[a]those whom he has called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28





6 comments

  1. "Faith" is such a big word, isn't it? Well....not a big word per say, but one word that people in general have a problem with. I will admit to wavering at times on the word Faith...and following God's plan...whatever that might be. Sometimes, one has to take a leap of FAITH to get to that place. We have a favorite saying in our house, 'Want to make God laugh? TELL HIM YOUR PLANS."

    As you know, we have personally suffered through many things: illness, EF 5 tornado loss of everything, Hurricane Katrina and so many other issues...one thing we do know...God has the plan, we don't. Thank you sweet friend....many, many Blessings to you.

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    1. I think we have to have faith He is in charge- or it all is in vain !
      Blessings, Desr Friend!

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  2. Dear Lulu,

    We all often get to the point where our Faith stumbles and for a moment or so lose trust in God. It's natural. He knows it and forgives.

    When things go wrong in our life, very wrong and very bad; we should praise God. However difficult it is, through gritted teeth even, we should praise Him. We're not praising Him for things going wrong but because He is still in control. By praising Him He can use the situation for the good of ourselves or others.

    You've suffered great pain, Lulu, with your divorce and the break-up of your family. But now, years later, you met someone whom perhaps you can lead to get to know and love God. What a priviledge this is for you, Lulu; to be chosen by God to do His will on earth. Time for joy indeed.

    God bless.

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  3. Hi Lulu! I have a blog friend who's favorite saying is 'But God...' Because He can take anything and make it a thing of beauty. I know that He will do that for you too. You are so faithful, even in every struggle.
    St. Paul says, 'faith with sight is not faith'. That's certainty. True faith lives with mystery, and tries to get comfortable with not understanding. I think that's exactly what you are doing. It's inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing it, although I know it's so hard.
    Have a blessed weekend,
    Ceil

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!