With all the recent news in our community, faith has been something more and more people are reaching for. The faith I’m referring to is really trust. After all, faith is trust. In light of such terrible circumstances such as the shootings at Discovery Middle School and UAH, how do we find the faith that we need to press through these tough times?
Paul says in Romans 5:3-5 “ … we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
In essence, what Paul is saying is “Without these times, I would be robbed of life lessons … because they taught me about faith in Christ …”
Where do we find the faith to press on? Let me encourage you that it is the resistance to our faith that makes us stronger! Anyone who lifts weights knows that without resistance we couldn’t get stronger. Throughout Biblical history God has shown that with great pressure comes great deliverance!
Don’t loose heart when you begin to walk through tough times. I’ve heard people say that they have such great faith that they’ve NEVER HAD TO go through anything, but let me ask you these questions….
~ How do you know if you HAVE great faith UNTIL you go through hardship?
~ How can you call God you’re healer if you’ve never been sick?
~ How can you call God your provider if you’ve never needed anything?
Finding faith, requires trust. In the uncertain times that we live in….know that your faith is being strengthened….you are developing character and perseverance…and hope is being birthed through these trials. Hope does not disappoint us! I encourage you not loose heart when you walk through uncertain and disappointing times. It is through these times that we all realize who our dependence is upon, and it is through realizing that…that we find faith.
Michele and I are so grateful for each of you and we look forward to seeing you at West Campus on Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor Mark