Thursday, December 30, 2010

Oh Me of Little Faith


from
Jennifer AlLee

I have faith in a lot of things. I have faith that when I lift the handle on the kitchen sink faucet, water will come out. I have faith that my husband and son love me. I have faith that washing the car guarantees some precipitation (or that I will drive beside a rogue sprinkler). And of course, I have faith in a merciful, loving, just God who sent His Son to deliver me from eternal death. In big things and little things... I have faith.

But my faith is fickle. For example, I have faith that God has a plan for my life, yet I'm constantly trying to orchestrate it to fit my idea of how things should be. I have faith that God will provide all my needs, yet I find myself worrying about money and how to make more of it. I have faith that God is everywhere and knows everything, yet I sometimes do things that I hope He won't notice.

I'm sure we can all admit to having the occasional lapse in faith. The struggle to living in faith is integral to having faith. After all, if faith were easy, it wouldn't be so valuable, would it?

As I look forward to a new year, I want to start a new exercise regimen. Yes, the physical kind, but I also want to exercise my faith muscles. I want to rest in the Lord and believe His promises. Most importantly, I want to grasp that it's not my job to convince God to move, or clue Him in on the right track for My life. He's already got that covered.

And it is impossible to please God without faith.
Anyone who wants to come to him
must believe that God
exists and that he rewards those
who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

Wishing you all a blessed, and faith-filled, year!

9 comments:

  1. Just when I think I'm full of faith I realize what a wind-blown thing I am.

    It manifests itself in frustration when I have to put aside my goals for awhile. Maybe I wouldn't be so selfish if I remembered right away that the plan is in place and my detours are part of the plan.

    Thanks Jen! I'm so looking forward to seeing you in St. Louis. That's part of 'my plan' so we'll see if it's part of God's or not.

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  2. Thanks for the encouragement, Jen. I'll share a spiritual goal that I'm working on for the New Year in tomorrow's post.

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  3. Great post, Jen. You nailed it. I'm so fickle. Not even realizing my double-mindedness sometimes. I do have faith, but it's a whole lot easier to maintain if things are going the way I want them to. But just don't ask me to have faith and patience at the same time. It's so much harder!!

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  4. Faith and patience... a double whammy! I hear ya, Lisa :+}

    Dina, can't wait to read your post tomorrow.

    Deb, I'm praying that St. Louis is a God-thing. Am really looking forward to hugging you in person again!

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  5. Excellent reminder, Jen. I repeatedly find myself thinking I'm trusting God, only to discover I'm actually trusting in my works, my ability, or my own plan. May 2011 be a year of genuine faith, patience and trust in the Almighty for us all!

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  6. I am now thinking of ways that help me remember to excercise my faith muscle daily, instead of worrying about all the things you mentioned. Inspiring post. Thanks!

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  7. "I also want to exercise my faith muscles."
    Me too!!!
    Great springboard to the faith scriptures!

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  8. Great post for the final fringe of the year, Jen.

    Thank you.

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  9. Great post!

    Your post reminded me of a quote from Jesus The One and Only by Beth Moore (chapter 25):

    "Remember the meaning of disciple: pupil, learner! We can't keep skipping class (our time with God in scripture and prayer) and expect to know when He's scheduled a field trip!"

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