Hebrews 11:6 says to us, And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
One morning as I sat, wrestling with the path I was on, aching with the losses and what was being required of me, I felt the whisper, the stirring of God as the thought took form in my mind, 'Faith pleases Me'.
Faith is one of those words that's easy until it's not. It's easy to say, "Have faith, believe." And sometimes it is easy to do that; but sometimes it's not. Sometimes faith is stepping when the sun is shining and it's a delight. But sometimes taking the next step is falteringly taken, have little to no clue what is around the bend, who may come flying at you on a bike or just the right timing and two of you collide. Sometimes, to keep walking is actually excruciating to my self protection and to let go is one of the scariest things. To some, there may the adventurous one who delights in seeing what's ahead or around the bend; go, live in that.
But I think if we are all honest with ourselves, there is something that causes us to stop and wonder if this is the right path? Is it safe? (insert - no it won't always be 'safe', but that doesn't mean it's a wrong place - but it will always be a place of rest, even in the storm.) What's ahead? Do I have what it takes? How will I know what to do?
All those questions are ok and a part of our human wrestling in our minds. But I have learned and am continuing to learn, that I can keep taking steps because of the One who walks WITH me. I also know that as I walk with Jesus, I can converse with Him about my questions and fears. (Sometimes, I might more like, drag my feet or even stomp them...)
Jesus, our Way, my Way, is also the Guide and Shepherd of our way, and we can take that next step.
It thrills me. No, I don't like foggy and murky hard, but I am so delighted to know that in those moments, I am not a victim, I am walking with the Victor and when I keep in step with Him, listening to His voice, I find my way, the Way.
Those times when faith is one of the most difficult things to put into practice, we can tell God that. I picture myself stopping and having a conversation with God, my Father, about how I can't go on, of all that is scary and what all hurts.
And sometimes, it's all legit; but He gently whispers, reminding me of Himself, that He is with me and it's okay. If I stay with Him, if I keep taking steps, He holds my hand, steadying my faltering steps.
He is faithful. He is a faithful Guide and Keeper of our souls. He will see us safely to the end.
You know, it's a lot like being blindfolded in a game, where you have someone giving you instructions or even holding your arm and giving directions. You take faltering steps, cautious steps, but if you follow carefully what is said or lean on the one holding your arm; you get to where you need to go, one step at a time.
The same is with Jesus. If we stay with Him, we will get to where we need to go, even when we can't see the way. But we must trust Him and know that He is good.
We walk by faith, not by sight. II Corinthians 5:7 Faith is our shield and a shield is moveable, always keeping it in front of us as we face the darts of fear, doubt, anxiety, etc.
Faith. Trust. Sometimes it is taking the next step towards the Father, just as a parent stands in front of their young child as they encourage them to take their first steps. God is always encouraging us to come to Him or to stay with Him; learning more of Him in every hard part of our story.
Friend, fellow-traveler, let's keep taking steps with the One who knows the way, who is the Way, and who delights and loves each step of the way. Tell Him everything. Stay with Him. And we will get to where we need to be, one step at a time.
