God is stretching me and it’s only the first quarter of the new year. It feels like what He is calling me to do is beyond my ability. I already envision the stretch marks! Ha!
I have been trusting God for many years now but not without struggle.
For instance, on July 25, 2016, I took a walk in the neighborhood after journaling sixteen pages. God had prompted me to step out of my comfort zone to better equip myself as a speaker. After attending the She Speaks Conference, led by Proverbs 31 Ministries, I felt defeated by the enemy and struggled trusting God in this calling.
However, I realized the enemy did not want me to further prepare myself for what God was preparing me for. So, I spent time journaling and reclaiming what the enemy tried to steal which was confidence in God and in myself.
While walking that day I rounded the corner and saw from a distance the sun shining like a beacon of light on a penny lying on the road.
In that moment God let me know that He saw me, heard me, and knew of my commitment to Him. I sensed Him saying, “I know you trust Me but it’s also going to take faith.”
Since recalling this account with God, I have pondered more on the difference in trust and faith.
I have confidence in God and therefore trust Him. I have built this confidence in God through life experiences. He has been faithful to never leave me. He has answered my prayers. He has delivered me from difficulties. He has grown me to accomplish the work He prepared for me. I trust Him.
The writer of Hebrews describes faith as follows:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV). “Now faith means putting our full confidence in the things we hope for, it means being certain of things we cannot see” (Phillips); “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (NIV); “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (NLT).
Looking at several different translations we gain clarity on what faith is.
Faith is putting action to what we confidently trust God for in what is yet to come. We don’t exercise blind faith, but faith built on past evidence. We know He came through in the past and will come through in the future. Therefore, we can have faith that God will work out everything about which we may typically worry.
What about you?
Is God stretching you?
Is God prompting you to a level of faith that feels impossible?
As you pursue cultivating your faith, seek God for wisdom without doubting.
- Doubting that you are not fit for what He is calling you to carry out.
- Doubting that you are ready for the next step of growth.
- Doubting that you can succeed.
- Doubting that God can do in and through you ALL He is planning for you.
James reminds us that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8, ESV)
I can imagine hearing you say, “I believe; but help my unbelief.” Or maybe that is my own voice in my head speaking.
Nonetheless, don’t you want to be all in with God; allowing Him to use you in ways you never thought possible? Are you craving to see what His plans look like in the end? If so, my friend, it is going to take an extra measure of faith as you trust Him for the unknown.
You may think you do not have the faith it will take but I’m confident that God has not brought you this far in your faith journey to let you down. He does have a plan for your future that will glorify Him if you stay the course (Jeremiah 29:11). Don’t miss that! It’s all about glorifying Him, not ourselves.
God delights in our ways as we yield to the steps He has established before us (Psalms 37:23).
I love what Corrie Ten Boom said, “Faith is like radar that sees through the fog — the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.”
Let’s trust God with unwavering faith to carry out in us what He sees ahead.
P.S. I will focus on the word faith this year to remind me to put action in what I am trusting Him for. He can do more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Do you have a word for 2022 you will focus on?
Question: Will you be all in with God this year? Let me know you are by typing yes in the comments. I would also love to know if you have chosen a word for the year. Leave that in the comments as well. (Comment by replying to this email or leave a comment by clicking here.)
DaySprings.com. 7 Question Quiz to help you find a Word for the year.
https://www.dayspring.com/yourwordquiz
Do you need prayer? Contact Jodi by clicking here. Or email Jodi at email@JodiAiken.com.
God recently prompted me to write to you through my blog using what I share on Pennies in Your Path. I pray that this format is encouraging to you and helps you grow a deeper and more intimate trusting relationship with Christ.
*To watch this episode, visit my YouTube Channel, “Pennies in Your Path.” You can also listen on most any podcast app at “Pennies in Your Path.” Click here to see a few of the options.
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