Monday, February 21, 2011

Uneasy Faith?

The other day, my husband asked a thought provoking question.

The question?

Is faith really faith if there is no rest?

I like it when people say things that start the wheels turning in my mind. I know it got me to thinking anyway. Yes, there are always exceptions...but in general I think our ability to feel at peace in a situation is a definite indication that our faith is really...faith.

I mean, yes, there have been times in my life that - by faith - I did something that I really believe was of God, but I never-the-less felt like I was stepping onto an invisible bridge that was the only way I could cross a treacherous chasm. Was my heart pounding in my ears? Yes. Was it beating a million times a minute? Yes. Okay...like I said, there will undoubtedly be exceptions.

But I think if we are honest, we would have to conclude that - in general - the more mature our faith is...the more we will be able to use "rest" and "peacefulness" as barometers of our faith.

I don't know about you, but I find that thought very helpful. A barometer. Hmmmm...

We talk about how strong God is. We speak of His sovereign power. His love is perfect. I could go on with so many incredible attributes of God. But guess what?

If I really truly believe all those things about God, if it is firmly planted in my mind and heart, if I completely embrace who He is...then yes, I will rest in my faith.

How could I not? I have entrusted myself, my life, my circumstances...everything to God. If He is who I say He is...then why should I worry? Think about it. Is it really possible to have an...

Uneasy faith?

4 comments:

Joanne Sher said...

I absolutely agree with this - but I am certainly not there much of the time. I'm so relieved that God is still there even when my faith is mustard-seed sized. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Clint said...

I think there are many levels of faith throughout our lives. We are human and imperfect; therefore our faith must mature with our life experiences and our spiritual growth. I am much more at peace in my faith now than ever, but I'll probably never get to perfection. Great post!

Sharon said...

Shay, This was a good one. It really made me stop and think. I tend to be a worrier - and I realize that trust is my biggest faith battle. Though I am not excusing myself when my faith is uneasy, I also try not to condemn myself. We all have something we battle, don't we? So, I guess for me, it's a little like that bridge you mentioned (BTW, was that a reference to the Indiana Jones movie? I totally thought of that...)

Where was I? Oh yeah, sometimes, for me, stepping out onto that bridge even though my knees are knocking and my heart is racing, that is faith.

The resting seems to follow after I take the quaking step of obedience...

GOD BLESS!

Susan Marlene said...

Hi Shay! I like what you posted. I do think there are degrees of faith. Sometimes we can't trust our emotions but we know something is "just right".I too thought of the Indiana Jones bridge! :)