Sunday, September 27, 2020

Determined to Grow in Faith and Trust

So often, I have witnessed the extraordinary faith of the members of my church communities, including all of you at Cornerstone Church. When my personal faith in the Lord was not as strong as it currently is, I was confused by why I did not experience the same peace that others enjoy. As I have matured in my Christianity, I have grown in my understanding that faith in our Heavenly Father is a determined choice that we must make and then launch strides to grow closer to Him. As we dedicate ourselves to reading God’s Word, worshiping Him, and praying to Him, our faith and trust are cultivated as our understanding, knowledge, and love for Him grow.

I do see how God used the pain in my life to grow my faith in Him. More than two decades ago, I was brokenhearted when I learned that the judge in my son’s child custody case had decided to award physical custody to my soon-to-be ex-husband because, unlike me, he had family nearby to help him in raising Zach. I also believe that God allowed this to happen because the unforgiveness in my heart would have made me a cranky and controlling parent with custody. 

 After a year of enduring this pain, I spent an evening considering whether I should find a new job, sell my home, move near my soon-to-be-ex-husband, and seek to collaborate with him in raising our son. I made two lists on my computer. The column listing all the reasons to stay was lengthy and the column listing the reasons to leave had only one word—my son’s first name. As I reviewed my lists, I knew instantly that my greatest desire was my precious son. All those things that had become essential to me—my work, home, friends, and independence—were not as critically important to me as being my son’s mother.

At that moment, I did what I had never done before. I got on my knees and prayed, and I made the decision to trust that God would create a pathway to my son. I prayed, “God I have no idea how to find a new job and sell this house. But I know that you do not want me here. So, I ask you to work a miracle and make it happen.” 

 Two months later, God worked His miracle. I got a call from the supervisor of my company’s Government Affairs office. Their analyst was leaving, and he asked me to consider applying for the job. Many talented individuals applied for this job, but I was offered it. After praying for the right words, I approached my son’s father with a humble heart, told him about my new job, and begged to be able to join with him in raising our son. In response, he replied, “That’s all I ever wanted.” Throughout Zach’s youth, we were effective in collaborating in raising our son in two faithful Christian homes. 

 The insights that the Apostle John shared in 1 John 5:14 in his pastoral letter to several Gentile congregations and to believers everywhere demonstrates that our growth in our faithful maturity will evolve our thinking and grow our trust in Him.

 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And, if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him." 

 The emphasis here is on God’s will, not our will. When we communicate with God, we do not demand what we want. Rather, we discuss with Him what He wants for us. If we align our prayers to His will, He will listen. We can be certain that if He listens, He will give us a definite answer. We should pray with confidence in Him and trust in His tender mercy for us. 

 Although I am certain that we must make the choice to take the strides to grow in our faith, Ephesians 2:8 - 9 confirms that we should credit our faith to God’s grace.  

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." 

 I encourage you to strive to know God. Afterall, He is your Heavenly Father. As you grow in your knowledge of Him, you also will grow in faith and trust in Him. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you and worship you, and pray that you grow my faith and trust in You. I am determined to cultivate my knowledge of You by being in Your Word. Please help me to hear Your voice and to retain and be obedient to Your guidance. Amen!

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