Facing Faith

  

James 1:2-4 (NASB)

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." 

    Faith takes on a whole new meaning when you're faced with situations you have no other physical, rational, logical solution for. At the same time, God repeatedly encouraging you and telling you His promises. All-the-while, in the physical realm, everything says the opposite. I literally keep saying, "This doesn't even feel real." Because it's not!

    I know this may seem and even sound like I've gone "coo-coo for coco puffs" but it will sound like this for those who do not understand the spiritual realm or God in that matter. God is spirit and so that is how we must function...in spirit. What we see and what we experience sometimes is just a faith-builder in preparation for the next season. Of course, we don't know exactly what all the next season encompasses, but this faith-building requires it.

    There is so much that is built in this space, and you can either choose one or the other way. I truly believe God will allow situations to occur so He finally has the last say if we truly stand and rely on His Word. *Disclaimer: there are situations that we put ourselves into, so be real sure that it was the Lord's doing and not that of your own. I have learned that faith is seeing into the spiritual realm and making it a reality (James 2:26, NASB). This reality definitely does not come in the way or form that you expect it, and may even come through an enemy. Don't knock your blessings down just because it may come from someone you don't really favor; this can truly be a humbling, teachable moment to love everyone and count no one out when it comes to receiving what's for you...you may not know what you'd be missing out on. 

    There's a different sound, posture, and walk you have when walking truly in faith. After all the tears have been spent, complaining has been worn out, and the flesh essentially just dies, you're left to sit down and really inquire God of your own situation. I've touched on this before, but if you ask, seek, and knock God will answer (Matthew 7:7-11, NASB). Again, it may not be how you expected the answer to arrive or when you wanted it to...but it did arrive thank you Jesus. 

    There is a made-up mind of the Lord that no one can shake when faced with the option to walk out faith. A faith that yells, "I know you! I know you are a God of keeping your promises and you are not going to fall short of that now! I know you!" (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV). Literally, going against all the odds placed against you is a true picture of what faith can do by extinguishing all the flaming darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16, NASB). Face your faith by walking in it day by day by day, developing this fruit of the spirit that is so powerful in its nature...the nature of Christ. 

***Let's Pray!!! God, we thank you for allowing us to see into your backyard; into your plans and not the ones we've concocted in our own minds. We repent for saying we have faith in you, when all along our idols were put on display before you. Idols of jobs, money, clothes, shoes, and even people. Father, forgive us for placing anyone and anything before you and in place of you. We truly do want to get to know you on a deeper level, in deeper realms, and in deeper rooms. So, in doing this, it does require faith. Father, we will stand the tests brought our way to build character, to cleanse and purge us, and more. Lord, we know you don't do things or allow situations to occur without there being a reason, and that you always know exactly what's going on. Who are we to ask the potter what he is doing with his clay? We will trust you and your movements. We will lay down and destroy any ounce of pride that gets in the way of your work. We love you and again will remember your promises. In Jesus' Name---Amen.***