Since I started this series of blogs my life has been nothing short of: unexpectedly, remarkably interesting.
In Part 1 I introduced you to the concepts drifting in my spirit and the remarkable power of fighting the enemy camping in our minds. Part 2 took us through the theory and practicality of “being” vs “doing”. Today in Part 3 I want to share with you my recent and still continuing journey with FAITH
FAITH, such an integral part of our spiritual walk, well actually, the firm foundation. The word says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).
So there you have it! There is so many times when the enemy plays that card with me. The card that says: “You do not have enough faith, that person most definitely has more faith than you. How can you claim to know Him if your faith lacks. You are not pleasing to Him.” I believe him and I cringe…
But tonight as I closely look at the second part of that verse it says: “because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” It does not say that just because that ideal thing that I am hoping for is not happening, my faith is lacking and that’s the only reason why I have a complicated life. It says: Believe that I exist, and know you will receive your reward if you earnestly seek Me. That just points back to Him. To trust Him, to seek Him. To change the emphasis from the outcome back to Him.
This week the Holy Spirit challenged me. He urged me to attend a Healing Service at our church. I would be seriously exaggerating is I say it was hard for me, because the fact is I was terrified. I kid you not, on our way there I was shaking.
Thing is, since our kids diagnoses we have not been to any pastor or spiritual mentor to pray for healing for our kids. I think both of us just accepted the fact that God is control and if they would to be healed it would have happened. God knows our hearts. I do think though that anyone who goes through trauma, chronic illness or disability…might experience a bit of shock in the healing part of faith. It’s hard not to have the pain-, the discomfort- and the constant challenges fixed, and still believe God is in that business of healing completely.
At the healing service…I realized that I had a complete fear of disappointment. The disappointment of not receiving the healing for my children that I long for with my whole being. The fear of my relationship with God changing because of this.
In the service I learned a lot about the Holy Spirit again, and the power which He holds and we tend to forget about. The Lord assured me that the same God that I serve was in that service. I saw things changing there, and my children saw it too. They were in awe, and my heart was touched. We prayed for the kids, earnestly and faithfully.
Our kids weren’t healed miraculously on Wednesday night, but I walked out with more faith in what God can do. We did not walk out of the service with visible healing, but I know that a part of my heart was healed in regards to who my Maker is.
I realized I have to practice my faith. He wants me to trust Him more. How does a relationship grow without trust? And just because we are Special Needs Parents does not mean He will not heal my diseases or miraculously provide finances.
When walking in faith, we cannot look back. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”(Hebrew 11:1) None of those words suggests that the past has anything to do with faith. I realized that my default reaction to a challenging situation is referring back to what happened last time when I was in this fix. This only emphasizes the “do it yourself mode” and before I know it, neither God nor faith is anywhere part of the equation. And there I am creating my own destiny …again.
We will have to decide to live by faith in this day and age, because to “do it yourself” is very possible in our generation. We can do most things ourselves, even visit space if you really want to. But none of the “do it yourself” zones can guarantee an abundant life. I can almost guarantee you a painful, stressful and peace-free life here in these zones. Living by faith will save us on so many levels.
May these following words help you have faith again in His plan for your life and that He is a God to be trusted.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
At His feet there are so many answers and the strength we need.
Can we trust Him again with everything we are, not just the desperate and impossible?
May you be blessed in every way!
The last blog in this series to follow…
Written by
Johanni Meiring
Johanni Meiring 