Where feet fail

I fall.  God picks me up.  Again, I fall.  And again, he picks me up, dusting off the dirt from my fall, setting me back on my feet in hopes that a lesson was learned. And yet again, I fall.  Sinking.

It's a vicious cycle.  I am not perfect.  I fall, I fail. Time and time again.  Through this, I am realizing how unbelievably patient God is with me.  He waits for me.   Never allowing my spiritual mood swings to deter him from pursuing me.  He offers me a second chance... a third chance... a gazillionth chance to obey him, to trust him, to believe him. 

I am living proof of his patience. He patiently works with my weakness. He's not asking for me to do more for him.  He is actually looking for more of me.  More of my trust.  More of my heart.

This is not an excuse to slack off.  Quite the contrary.  God will still discipline and correct me. For out of his discipline, he reveals his vast love for me.  His patience compels me.  I desire to live a life that strives to do my best for my heavenly Father.  To listen and obey.  To trust him with my life no matter how much fear surrounds me.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet upon a rock

making my steps secure.

Psalm 40:2 

God has never failed me. I will let him lead my next steps by his sovereign hand.  My faith will stand.  My trust will grow.  Even if it means dusting off and trying again for the umpteenth time.  I will not be discouraged, for he is patient with me.

Listen: Oceans, by Hillsong United

Give me faith

How is it that I can believe in something that may not have any tangible proof? To trust in something that I have absolutely zero control over? 

The answer is simple. Faith.

Now faith is being sure

of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see. 

Hebrews 11:1

It's a choice.  A gift to either be accepted or rejected.

  

We all have faith in something.

I have faith in a Sovereign God. I have faith that he loves me and that nothing can separate me from that love.  His sovereignty is beyond my pea-sized-brain of comprehension. I simply trust that he is the One who created me and the entire universe in which I live.  He rules over all and is in control. Yet within that control, he gives free will.  A choice.  A choice to love him back.  A choice to have faith and keep the faith regardless of the outcome of my circumstances.  I have faith that God has a purpose and a plan for my life and that my faith will continue to grow stronger as a result of difficulties and bliss.  

I have faith that my yesterdays will remind me of God's goodness & love and that today's struggles will strengthen me for what lies ahead tomorrow. 

The song linked below is my prayer:
Jesus, Give me faith. To trust what you say. That you're good. And your love is great.

Listen: "Give Me Faith" by Chris Brown

Don't follow your heart

Love is in the air.  Hearts are everywhere. I opened my Instagram feed and found love notes adorned with hearts, candy decorated with hearts, even food cut into the shape of hearts.  It only seems fitting to end this week's journey of digging into the truth about love, with the heart.

Has anyone ever told you to just follow your heart?  The problem I see with this advice is that our hearts are tied to our feelings.  And feelings are fickle and shallow.  They can't be trusted.

Our hearts only chase after what feels right in the moment.  It's time to take full responsibility for the condition and direction of our hearts. It's time that we stop following and start leading.

"Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it".

Proverbs 4:23

Whatever fills your heart will flow out.
What flows out of yours? 

 

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".

Matthew 6:21