Post Theme: Sources of Hope
Last week, I wrote a story about Living Faith, including the importance of taking risks and following through — no matter what happens. But those moments between taking the risk and arriving at the goal can be downright scary.
For the most part, our everyday culture is no longer based on tenacity, time investment, grit, and quality. Our culture is based on immediacy. We’re used to pushing buttons and getting results. We tend to steer clear of risks or commitments that require time and dedication. Following through on a risky step is hard. Maybe not in the little things, but in some instances — like when you’re dangling over the cliff you agreed to climb — it can be excruciating.
A few years ago, I spent time studying the life of George Muller. Mr. Muller is often praised, and rightly so, for his life of faith. He did not share the needs of his ministry with others. He trusted the Lord completely, and God always provided. We often look at his story and see page after page of victories, but one day I caught a glimpse of reality in his story.
In one of his journals, Mr. Muller mentioned the heaviness of heart, which he experienced during a time of waiting. That one brief sentence reveals he was just as human as the rest of us. In fact, he often emphasized this to others. His faith was nothing special. He too had to pass through the uncertain moments of walking by faith. His God, on the other hand, was in the miracle-performing, faith-strengthening business.
The realities that follow risk aren’t always exciting. Sometimes they are painful, often they are scary. Over the years, I’ve found a few things that have helped me keep going when walking by faith is scary. Maybe they will help you too:
1. Perspective.
The old “glass half empty or half full” argument affects a lot more than we realize. What we see as frightening circumstances is probably an opportunity for God to do something astonishing — something you would never see otherwise. Whether it feels like it or not, you may be on a great adventure. Keep your eyes on God’s unfailing power and faithfulness rather than on circumstances.
2. Don’t Dwell on Expectations.
Expectations get us in trouble. I tend to think of them as prisons, both for ourselves and for those from whom we expect something. Disappointed expectations often lead to resentment, even bitterness. We know the harmful effect resentment and unmet expectations have on our earthly relationships. No less harm is done to our relationship with God when we hold our thwarted expectations in His face.
Remember, God works all things together for good. (Romans 8:28) Your life may not look like what you expected, but the path of your expectations might have ended at a cliff. God has a purpose for our disappointments. As Job said, “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)
3. Don’t Get Distracted.
Our circumstances can be the biggest distraction both from what God is trying to do and what He is trying to teach us. When we get our focus off of Him and onto the problem we become useless.
4. Be Alert (and Thankful).
God is doing something, but you’ll never see it if you’re not watching. In the midst of the scary, step back, look for what God is doing, and take a moment to be thankful. (This also goes a long way toward helping maintain perspective!)
5. Cling to God’s Promises.
In the months following my dad’s unexpected death, I walked through situations, which literally left me speechless. The stress levels were so high that, for the first time in my life, I developed a stutter. During those months, a friend encouraged me to write another devotional journal. The journal I created focused on the promises of God. The process of compiling the list of promises for the book became a lifeline. Each day, I found new hope. Each verse gave me something to cling to until, at last, we’d come out on the other side of the storm.
6. Walk in Grace.
Grace is a such a small word. We imagine grace as a gentle working, but grace is powerful. Grace lifts the tired heart. Grace strengthens the weary soul. Grace gives us the grit to press on. Grace is there for the asking. Grace is rooted in surrender.
7. Remember Where You Are and Where You’re Going.
My dad passed away on a Thursday morning. That night, my reeling mind kept crying out, “This isn’t the way the story is supposed to end!” But I was wrong. That wasn’t the end. It wasn’t even the end of my dad’s story. His life continues to impact others.
My friend, this isn’t the end of your story. Wherever you are, whatever is happening, remember you cannot see from beginning to end. That’s why this journey is one of faith! God is not done yet. Keep walking.
I love hearing from you! What risk have you taken? Has it proven to be a little scary — or maybe a lot scary? How has God shown Himself faithful on your behalf? Please share in the comments below, and join me here for more conversation and my free eBook,The Danger of Distraction.