A Wrestling Match with Faith

Dear Friend,

We've discussed many times the definition of "faith". Some people have a vague "faith," an otherworldly belief that somehow things will work out. They may even connect "God" to the word "faith". But, they have an impersonal belief in Him, and neither acknowledge His Lordship, nor their need for His saving grace. Or perhaps, they admit that they need a Savior, and even say that they have claimed Jesus as their Savior, but they neglect to enter into a relationship. God remains an invisible but benevolent servant who blesses and heals.

Other people wrestle with their faith. It doesn't come easily, and they find themselves unsettled, and often frustrated--they have come to understand that FAITH is a complete, life-changing, surrender into God and His ways. They know the cost, they know the benefits, and they weigh them carefully.

Which of these two do you think 

pleases the Father more? 

Which gives Him more honor?

As you wrestle with this faith, I am praying you through.

And I will stand beside you and testify to God's goodness, mercy, strength, peace, and healing.

He loves you, my feisty and frustrated friend!

Sometimes it seems that all of life crashes down around you: relationships, stability, health, control, the future,...you get the picture.

Some people will decide that they have an excuse not to think about or consider God. Others will wrestle with their faith, even through the darkest times.

This faith, this faith is what honors the Father.

(Matthew 7:7-8) "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

(Jeremiah 29:13) "If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me."

Both of these passages are often memorized and quoted, and often used to serve our selfish purposes. But, I believe that these passages, taken in their context, are talking about FAITH. This isn't about solving problems, obtaining what we desire, finding healing, etc. They speak to the core of our identity--our faith.

Seekers will find, if they are truly seeking. 

This isn't a half-hearted, weekend quest.

Ask.

Seek.

Knock.

"The LORD is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth." (Psalm 145:18)


I want to share with you a beloved hymn of our faith, and the story behind it. The hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" was written amidst the most tragic circumstances. Here is faith.

I can't help but share another song. The first time I heard this song I was driving. I can remember being overwhelmed to the point that I almost had to pull over.

"What if Your blessings come through raindrops? What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near? What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?"

Heavenly Father, we approach You today in humility and awe. We have nothing, we are nothing, we can control nothing. You have. You are. You can. How we need You!