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Conditional Faith


My faith is conditional.  The last few days I’ve been reflective on some statements I’ve made involving faith and knowing that “God’s got me”.  The trend of these statements drifts to the spaces of my life where I have very little influence and absolutely no control.  These statements sound like, “Well, since I’m not there I have to trust God”, or “I don’t know what that reality looks like so I am just trusting God”.  In all fairness these are appropriate statements in the eyes and understandings of humanity, but they are incomplete and quite honestly, narcissistic in terms of God’s greatness.  In one way these statements prove that I am actively trusting God in places where I cannot be, places I cannot influence, places I cannot control.  In another way these statements are ridiculous because even in the places I can be, the places I can influence, or the places I can “control” are still all under God’s rule and still all submit to God’s plan and authority.  How vain am I to think I can handle something just because I’m present?  It’s like I’m telling God, “Hey, God, I’m here now.  You can take a break and sit this one out.  I got it.”  THAT’S RIDICULOUS.  So… my faith is growing.  I am learning to trust Him in ALL things; even the things I can see, touch, hear, feel, know, influence, and “control”. 

Faith is hard.  Growing your faith is hard.  It’s hard when you have to “let go and let God” because you can’t see what’s happening.  It’s even more challenging when you CAN see what’s happening, yet you are trusting God for protection and guidance.  In full truth you are letting go of the control in all areas because really what do we actually “control”.  God is the maker and healer, the redeemer and blessing giver.  God is the leader and comforter, the knower and answer of all things.  God is God.

My prayer today: Lord, let my trust grow to a place where I can trust You when I cannot track You AS WELL AS when I can see clearly what you are doing in my life.  Let my faith be UNconditional. 

Isaiah 41:10 MSG version – “…I pulled you in from all over the world, called you in from every dark corner of the earth, telling you, “You’re my servant, serving on my side.  I’ve picked you.  I haven’t dropped you.” Don’t panic.  I’m with you.  There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.  I’ll give you strength,  I’ll help you.  I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Isaiah 41:10 NKJ version (New Kimber Jones version) – No matter where you are, no matter where those you love might be (with you or without you), I’ve got you AND them.  No one can escape My grip.  You are safe.  They are safe.  Relax.  Enjoy.  I’ve got a plan, and it’s all going accordingly.

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