Psalm 37: "Trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord,  and wait patiently for him to act." (NIV)

 

I think one of the most difficult things that a human being encounters is the notion of "faith" and "belief." Because of our created human physiology, we are naturally inclined to hear, smell, taste, touch and see. The more I mature in my walk with the Lord, I notice more and more that the "natural" 5 senses are almost always connected somehow to the spiritual. What I mean, is that the spiritual life seems to be in contrast with the natural life (Galations 5). It's starting to make so much more sense that "FAITH" really is the "evidence of things not seen," and that a spiritually driven life is a life a constant faith and belief.

 

Because faith requires belief in the unknown, it automatically defies our natural senses. To me this is both frustrating and exciting. It's frustrating at times because I want to see results quickly, and I want to see the fruits of my labor--even after long periods of believing and hoping for something. However, it is exciting when I see things take place; things I have hoped for and believed in. As a Christian solo artist and musician, the most difficult thing for me is believing in what I'm doing even when no one else believes in it. It's challenging at times to keep moving forward, and know that God has called me to what I'm doing; even in the midst of fear, doubt and criticism.

 

The easiest thing for we, as humans, to do is doubt. As an emotionally driven person, I often find myself in peaks and valleys caught between hope and despair. It seems as if the journey of life is a constant roller coaster of highs and lows; fast and slow. It seems that even when I want to move forward with confidence, my flesh continuously wants to resort to the comfort of what i can see, feel, and physically grasp.

 

The Christian life is all about FAITH. Hebrews says it plainly in Chapter 11, "faith is being sure of what we hope for, and knowing something is real even if we do not see it." I love this verse because it always brings a degree of comfort and assurance when I am in the midst of a season where I'm finding it difficult to hold on. When God has called us to do something, we must believe it and act on it. James 2:17 states "in the same way, faith by itself-that does nothing- is dead." I believe that God delights in those who will follow the call he's placed in the heart, and risk the comfort of everyday life for the kingdom's sake.

 

In exercising our faith, and acting on it, we must also understand that as soon as we accept the call that God has placed on our life, we are going to face adversity. When we focus our sights on Godly kingdom building and walk in the authority of Christ we will experience adversity. Over the past couple of years, I have witnessed that spiritual warfare has been off the charts. Crazy enough is that most of the attacks have come from Christians; from within the church! Guard your heart! Understand that when you move in the spirit, and pursue the kingdom, the enemy will try and use those closest to you; those within your circle to attempt to disrupt what God is doing in and through you.

Are you in a season right now where you feel like nothing exciting is happening for you? Are you feeling alone, hopeless or discouraged? Trust me, I have been there, and know the feeling well! Let me offer you the hope and encouragement that keeps me going.  

Jeremiah 29:11 states "I know the plans that I have for you; plans to prosper you; to give you a future and a hope." If you are feeling discouraged today, and are having a hard time believing, just know that God is closer to you than you know. He knows exactly how you feel and he understands the thoughts going through your mind. He is using this season right now to stretch, bend, purify and refine you into a warrior for the kingdom. Like grapes that get crushed and pressed and eventually turn into beautiful wine, so is our character and faith after the Lord puts us through his refining process. This may require some crushing, pressing, filtering out the junk, and even sitting for a while to mature, but in due season, it's our time to be released!

Be encouraged today! God has a plan for you, and it's probably just around the corner! BELIEVE IT!

 

"Lord Jesus, give me a revelation in my heart today that knows you are good! Father, I get weary and worried, and I need You to pour out Your peace into my life right now. Please give me the reassurance to keep moving forward even when I am not feeling like it. Please bring people into my life who will speak truth and encouragement when I'm feeling discouraged. I give all of my life to You, and I ask that You will do whatever it takes to build my faith, and use me for Your kingdom! I love You Lord!

 

Verses:  

Jeremiah 29, Hebrews 11, James 2, Psalm 37, Galatians 5