"Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?" (Mark 8:18)
A few weeks ago a friend of mine said how faith is 'a good memory', and that blew my mind. How often do you find yourself in a similar or the same situation over and over and instead of going to God, you rely on your own understanding. Well you are far from alone. The Apostles did this all the time-- and they saw Jesus in the flesh performing miracles!! Yet they would panic at the slightest sign of danger and wonder how they were going to solve it.
We are just like that. We tend to try and justify our fleeting faith, maybe even deny it or ignore it all together. However, being aware of where you are in your faith journey is important for your spiritual growth. You may be new to this, or maybe you've had a relationship with the Lord for a while now... Either way this reminder is for you.
This devotional will define Faith, but what I have written is just a starting point. As you grow closer to God try to define faith in ways that you have seen in your own life, there is not just one answer!
How Do You Define Faith?
I personally find this question seemingly easy, yet, the more I think about it, pretty difficult. I automatically think: trusting, loving, and peaceful. Faith is trusting that God is working everything for my good. It's also love because I know that God loves me unconditionally. And it is also peace. My racing heart slows knowing that I have such a powerful, loving and loyal God on my side.
Faith is also a lot of other things. Like my friend said, it's a good memory. Remembering that God has shown up in your life in the past proves a strong faith. When you find yourself in the middle of a storm and Jesus appears to be sleeping, you won't panic because you know He will take care of you (Mark 4:38). When you're surrounded by a storm how do you react? Are you quick to blame others or God? Do you tend to expect the worse? Or do you go to Jesus? Do you remember that He's gotten you out of a similar situation before and that He will do it again?
Faith In Action-- What Does This Look like?
Now, while building a good memory is worthwhile, do not solely rely on those memories. Isaiah 43:18 says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past"(NIV). This may seem like a contradiction to what I just said, however God isn't saying forget it all together, He's saying don't dwell on it. The definition of dwelling is: to linger on a particular subject or place. Simply we are called to not dwell on the past.
In verse 19 God says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland" (NIV). God is saying that if you're constantly looking back, you'll miss Him working on your life now. God is working in a new way now: He's making a way in the wilderness-- a path where you didn't think it was possible. He's making a stream in the wasteland-- He has removed the overgrown weeds and dry ground, has put in living water and is planting all things new.
He is doing this with you, are you missing it because you're focused on the past?
Moving Forward
God is a way maker, He is unlimited. Instead of trying to predict how He will make a way for you, be open to any possible way He may choose to make. God loves you, you know that right? Despite any mistakes you may make, despite your struggle with giving grace and receiving it for yourself, and all the other ways we mess up-- God will be right by your side, even when you don't see Him. As you move forward in your faith journey, remember that every storm will pass, and will obey God's voice. If Jesus is relaxed and sleeping during it-- you know you're going to be okay. Don't panic just calmly talk to Him because He will know just what to do!
Faith Is...
1. Trusting God
2. Knowing God loves you unconditionally
3. A peaceful mind because you know God is on your side
4. A good memory-- knowing God has shown up in your life before
5. A forward looking mindset-- knowing He will show up again.
How can you build your faith?
Prayer For The Heavy Hearted
Dear Jesus, Right now I don't see how You are going to make this situation turn out for my good. I'm confused, afraid, and most of all my heart is heavy. It doesn't seem like You're here, but I know that You are. You've never failed me, and I know You won't start now. Please calm my beating heart and help me to truly trust Your plan for me. Amen
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