Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Does your faith have holes? Where in the world would I come up with an idea like that, you might say? Read on and you'll find out. (God speaks to me in most unusual ways sometimes!)
The other day I was writing in a journal that my sweet friend Vicki gave me. As I closed the journal, I noticed the pattern of holes in it. It's really an interesting design - brown leather with various sizes of holes punched in vertical lines all over the front cover. Through the holes you see a bright pink suede-like fabric. As I stared at it, thinking about how clever the designer was, it caused me to think about my faith and how often I discover "holes" there. That is, places where I just don't believe.
So many times, I do have strong faith, but other times I just have holes or even gigantic gaps in my faith. I'm dealing with one of those now, as a matter of fact. I get frustrated with myself as I want to be "sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). Unfortunately, in those really hard things, I want to see the plan (or even come up with it myself and let God know the plan), sign off on the plan and make sure the plan is completed in my timing in order to "believe," and well...that's just not faith! Sound familiar?
Faith is confidence that God not only can but will. It's trusting in God's plan, not our own. It's surrendering control to the One who really is in control. Faith is believing that even if God doesn't do it the way you see fit, it's for the good of the Kingdom and for His glory. Whew, that is really tough stuff!
Just like the holes in my journal bring about a really interesting pattern of pink dots, so the holes in my faith paint a beautiful tapestry of God and His loving kindness to me. Every time He lovingly plugs one of those holes in my faith, He shows me I can trust Him in that difficult circumstance. Sometimes He does this through His Word that speaks directly to me in a moment when my faith is weak. Other times He uses a friend or pastor to reassure me of His promises. He also speaks to me with that still, small voice as I pray and confess my doubts and fears to Him.
Let's be grateful for the holes in our faith. "Why?" you might say. Because in recognizing them, we see that God is at work in us. The truth is that growing in our faith is a process, but our faith builder is FAITHFUL.
Verses to help fill the holes in your faith...
Questions to consider ...
Have a faith-filled week!
Jacqueline Heider is the Director of Women's Ministry,
Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church.
Visit her blog for more encouragement.
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