Engaging with your faith

Have you ever struggled to understand why things are happening to you?

We all want to do God's will in our lives, and yet it can be really hard to discern his will. Carter Conlon, in a sermon once said that before we can know God's specific will for our lives, we must first live His revealed (through scripture) will. I think that is right; there is no point in me praying for discernment and all the time knowing that there are things in my life that are displeasing to God. So far so good.

But what if I am trying to live a life worthy of God, what if I am truly repentant over my sins, what if I am praying regularly and reading the Bible and spending time with fellow Christians, and I am still hopelessly confused as to the direction that my life is supposed to go? What then? These are not theoretical questions, by the way; this is what is happening in my life right now!

If you are in the same situation, then this is what I suggest.

Firstly, remember the promises of our faithful God. Jeremiah 29:11: "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." The fact that we cannot see what God has in store for us, does not mean that there is no plan. God promises us that it is so.

Secondly, don't worry! The most repeated command in the Bible is do not fear. We know that fear achieves nothing but sometimes it can seem as if we would be fools not to worry, especially when we don't know how we will pay our bills or someone very close is ill. Instead of trying to convince yourself that there is no need to worry, fix your eyes on Jesus:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Thirdly, make contact with other Christians in the same position. There are bound to be some near you. We are all part of the body of Christ; when one of us suffers or struggles, we all suffer and struggle.

Fourthly, give God the glory whatever is going on in your life. Praise will lift your spirits in the darkest of times. Think of Job: "And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”" When we are struggling with grief, or pain, or emotional problems or difficult relationships, open your mouth and praise the One who is faithful and just and loving and merciful; in fact the One who is faith and justice and love and mercy. Praise Him and you will draw closer to Him.

And finally, wait in patience. God's timing is not our timing. That is very easy to say and much harder to live, I know. But one day, just as Joseph looked back on his time as a slave and a prisoner and saw the will of God in his life (Genesis 50:20), so will you.

#faith #walk by faith