"I learned that faith isn't tested by how often God answers prayers with a yes but by my willingness to continue serving Him and thanking Him even when I don't have a clue as to what He is doing."…..Gary House
It is not always easy to trust God. I like to think I've got everything under control and know exactly where I am going. I like all my plans and activities to be very organized and well thought out. I like it when I know all the facts, and get every questioned answered.
Unfortunately, what I like and how life really goes are two worlds apart.
Wouldn't it be so much easier if we did not have to trust God so blindly? If God would simply tell us in advance about all the good that would come out of every difficult situation? If we could know that in the end, all of our trials would be turned to gold? Surely then our walk of faith would look so much different, and our testimonies would bring so much glory to God. Right?
Yet in reality, hasn't God actually told us these very things? In Romans 8:28 we read,
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".
Many of us are familiar with this verse, and can probably quote it verbatim, but do we really believe what it says?
The test is not what we are facing, but rather how we face the test. In Hebrews 11:6 we read,
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
The Bible is full of the testimonies of great men and women who in the midst of adversity did not abandon their confidence in the living God. These stories and their lives are pictures for all us to understand what true faith really looks like.
Many of the great hero's of faith even died still believing, yet without receiving the things God had promised to them!
This is what true faith in God really is about. It is a faith that never waivers, and I believe it is exactly what our quote suggests today.
One of my favorite passages is found in the book of Habakkuk chapter 3:17. It is also one of the greatest proclamations of faith ever written.
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The story of Habakkuk begins with a "why", but ends with a "Yes and Amen". What always stands out the most to me in verse 18 is the word, "YET". It does not say,
"When things get better, then I will celebrate", or "After I see the answer to my prayers, then I will be joyful".
No, Habakkuk says, "No matter what may come, still I will rejoice and be joyful in my God". Even when we are not sure how things will ultimately turn out, will God still hear our songs of praise?
I want my life to be a proclamation that says Jesus is sufficient and always more then enough! I want to be able to give thanks in ALL THINGS, which really is our statement of faith, and brings honor to His name.
Our simple prayer only needs to be…
"Lord teach me to trust you...."
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