Faith Is A Guide

Journaling has always been one of my favorite things to do. I began this art practice years ago. It has become a way to clear my head. A freeing transaction takes place within my soul when my thoughts are released from my mind onto paper. It is as though I am decluttering my mind to make room for more reflection. Not only does my mind become free, it also provides a way to record my story, a process of documenting the accounts of life in real time. By the way; everyone has a story!

Over the past few weeks I have been gathering research for a project I am working on, in doing so, I searched through a storage box of old journals. This particular box was full of writings; I mean top to bottom-jammed packed. I took each notebook out, one by one, and  began to thumb through the pages; what I discovered was quite amazing.

Embedded deep within the words on each page, I was able to get a glimpse, a snapshot back in time. What I saw was a life journey which was ever evolving, riding on the waves of change, similar to the natural changing of seasons. I sensed the warmth Summer brings as joy echoed through the words, I could feel the long Winter nights of sorrow, while the cool days of Spring and Fall were woven in between. One after the other, the sentences on each page, painted a picture of a spiritual growth journey. In hindsight, I can see how God was answering my prayers, comforting me, and guiding my every step, even though it was not clear to me at the time.

As I took this road trip down memory lane, I uncovered a recognizable constant thread existed. Entwined in the moments of abandonment, and circumstances gone bad, there stood evidence of unwavering faith. It was apparent with every passing day, my faith was growing stronger, gaining momentum, as I stood amidst the winds of challenge and victory. It was this faith, which gave me sight when the path ahead seemed dark.

Faith in a loving God that would never leave me or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). If I was on the mountain tops looking out over the beauty of the landscape, or if I was in the pit of the valley- feeling defeated, I wrote about God’s faithfulness. I read about the times I could not sense His presence, or hear His voice, yet there was a knowing that I wasn’t alone. The words on each page screamed out about a deep faith in my God who loved me, and I chose to believe.

Why do I share this with you today? There are many, who right now, are questioning God’s faithfulness. Wondering if God’s sees you or hears your prayers. You are crying out for answers, desiring to see the path before you illuminated, yet nothing. I write to remind you, as Christ followers, we walk by faith and not by sight. God’s silence can mean a thousand different things; I would not even begin to speculate what that means for you in this moment. What I am sure of is this-God is near, and He loves you.

God knows exactly where you are, and what you are going through. He knows what you need before you even ask (Matthew 6:8). God is faithful to His word, and in His word He promises: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched and the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43: 1b-3a). God wants you to know He has you, hold on, you are safe with Him. Trust in Him.

Where are you today? Are you walking in fear? Do the circumstances before you appear bigger than your God? The truth is; nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). Use your faith to remind the enemy, right now-he is a liar. God is able to make a way where there appears to be no way, He is always at work on your behalf. God never slumbers or sleeps (Psalms 121:4). All of God’s promises for you are Yes and Amen (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Allow faith to be your guide. If you do not journal, perhaps it can become a useful tool, consider keeping a record of your thoughts as you journey through life. I am thankful for all the old journals I have, the proof that a life of faith is the only way to live. God is love, He is faithful, and He desires for faith to be your guide. Faith will brighten any pathway which appears to be darkened by the natural eye.

 

 

-Lucy Ann

Challenge Question:

What battle are you facing today that you need to see through the eyes of faith? Choose to believe God is at work on your behalf. Share your battle with us, you will find you are not alone.

Be sure to “Join the Team” so we can stay connected!