I have gone through a difficult period in the past few months. During this season, God has taken me back to the basics of my faith. As you know, as an individual grows in the Christian faith they may begin to take several things for granted. Below I will share a few of the things God decided I needed to relearn. I hope that you will find the lessons beneficial.
- Learning to Trust
When life is moving at its normal pace with no interruptions, it is easy to forget to trust in God for the little things. After all, if you need to buy something at the shop and you have no cash, just go to the ATM. If you require to go somewhere and there is no parking, just walk. Well, I discovered that God needs us to rely on him for everything, whether large or small. We simply need to ask for it in faith. The following verse from Romans referring to Abraham puts this point across very well.
Romans 4:20-21 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” (NLT)
Okay – God had promised Abraham something huge. Though he had never seen God, Abraham believed in his promises completely and stood by them until he passed on. Trusting in God makes my faith grow stronger, and brings glory to the Father. I have learnt that God is completely trustworthy, even when he does not give me what I am asking for because it is not part of his will.
Psalm 33:4 “For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” (NLT)
- Learning to Surrender
Surrender? Why do I need to surrender? After serving God all of my adult life? Well, the truth is, I had taken charge of some parts of my life. When faced with a problem, I would exhaust all my options before turning to God. Don’t give me that look – I know you do the same thing…
God put me in a situation where I was completely helpless, and I realized that I needed to give him full control of my life. He wanted to take charge of everything concerning me so that he could use me for his glory. I had to do it – I had to surrender.
Therefore – in my weakness, he has become my strength. I now do all I used to do, but with his help. Without him, I am a wreck. And you know what – it’s so comforting to have him right beside me all the time!
Psalm 73:26 “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, he is mine forever.” (NLT)
On the tougher days, I find myself saying the verse below over and over.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)
- Learning to Be Confident in His Promises
There are so many promises from God in the Bible – promises that are there to encourage us in every situation. There is a promise to lift you up no matter what you are going through.
When I was afraid, I found this verse helpful:-
Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation –so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (NLT)
When I was discouraged, this verse gave me hope…
Psalm 119:50 “Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles” (NLT)
When things were completely out of control, I found this promise:-
Psalm 91:14-15 ‘The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.”‘(NLT)
Just one more;
2 Samuel 22:31 “God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” (NLT)
- Learning to Commune with God
Because of the rushed life I live, my prayers had turned into one-way conversations. I did not have proper communion with God. I know we have all been there. God longs to have fellowship with us, to speak to us through his word, or even audibly. Now – if we don’t make time for him, he will find a way of getting our attention.
After lots of struggling and tears, God got my attention. Now I understand how much he longs for communion with his children. Dear friends, will you take time to commune with God, to listen to what he is saying to you?
I had never seen this verse until a few weeks ago:-
Psalm 27:8 ‘My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.’ (NLT)
This conversation is the kind I would like to have with my Father.
Jeremiah 29:13 “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (NLT)
I need to search for God so that I can find him and get to know him better. How about you?
There is so much more I learnt in faith school that I would love to share here, but instead, I will summarize everything shared above with this verse from Hebrews.
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (NLT)