Faith

People keep telling me that I am so strong to be able to handle Rick’s death the way I have. While listening to music one night, a thought popped into my head of “Why are they so surprised? Shouldn’t we all be living in a way that show’s God’s strength? Isn’t this what faith is?”

Faith is defined as “something that is believed with strong conviction”, “confidence or trust in a person or thing”, “belief that is not based on proof”, and “the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.” Shouldn’t our faith show through every situation in our lives?

In reality, I want to just sit and sulk all day. But that’s not what he (Rick) would have wanted. And that’s not what He (God) has planned. What good would it do the Kingdom of God if I sat around in my own thoughts all day, isolated from people?

The Bible tells us “No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NET) And in 2 Corinthians 1:9 Apostle Paul follows with “Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” (NIV) The way out that God is talking about in the 1 Corinthians verse is spelled out in the 2 Corinthians book: we won’t rely on ourselves, but on God.

So these verses tell us that God won’t give us more than we can handle, if we rely on Him and His strength. Ah…..there it is! This is not ME being strong, but my faith in HIM to bring me through it. God allows situations in your life to bring you to your knees and rely on Him.

When people look at me, they are really seeing a weak, messy individual, who is choosing to lean into God during the most difficult of circumstances that has been placed before her. Because that’s what faith is…..relying on God during situations and knowing He has a plan and will bring you through it.

So, no matter what the situation, whether it’d be financial, relational, work related, or something completely out of your control, remember, that when we are feeling weak and unable to handle it, all you need to do is rely on God. His strength is what will carry you through it. Trust in Him and the promises he has made…..that’s what faith is.