I sat in a room today with a group of women who live faith-filled lives. What does that mean? Their lives probably mirror yours in many ways – family responsibilities, financial struggles, wayward children, faithless loved ones, good days and bad. The thing that sets them apart in my eyes? They cling to Jesus as their hope and His Word as their guide. While this detail may seem small or insignificant to some, faith makes all the difference in the world.
The reality that struck me again today is that we all face times of desperate need. Seasons of adversity are experienced by all. The faithful are not exempt from trial. As I sat and listened as some of these women shared what was going on in their lives through tears, I reflected on the times in my own life when my faith seemed to be wearing out. I can remember times when I felt like giving up would have been easier than continuing to run the race. But I am so glad that I clung on.
To those who are about to give up, to anyone who is ready to throw in the towel, to the weary pilgrim who can’t fathom taking one more step, to the one who is broken from life’s crashing waves, to the tired mamma and neglected wife, to the lonely and forgotten:
- It only takes a mustard seed.
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
- It only takes an admission.
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
- It only takes a prayer.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12
I don’t know where this post finds you today – in the valley or on the mountaintop, but the hope you can know is that Christ created both, and both are His dwelling place. May God open your eyes to see His nearness in your pain. In your fight to hold on and remain faithful, remember that He fights harder for you than you ever could for Him, and no one can snatch you out of His hand.
To those who are about to give up,
New mercies await you in the morning. Grace sufficient for the day is just around the corner. Jesus loves you more than you could fathom.
Cherie, thank you for always sharing & offering great insight into many different topics.
Each January, we are thankful for a new year, grateful for great times over the past 12 months – the Mt. top highs. It’s also a time to breathe “whew, thankful those challenges are behind” as we leave the valley lows behind.
We pray & look forward to the new year, for new opportunities and with anticipation for all that God will do this year.
However, sometimes the year doesn’t begin in the way we pray…we find that new challenges crop up sooner than we like. So, it’s in those moments that we take time to come before God, to praise Him for who He is-faithful & loving. We will trust Him, knowing that He goes before us & Will work all things out. His grace is sufficient each day, so we continue praising Him!