Believing What You Say

It's a bit like practicing what you preach, but less visible

"But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:6-8

As a believer, I know a lot of things. I know that God is good, and just. I know that He has plans and a purpose for all of His children. And I know that He keeps His promises. Always.

I know this. I tell my children this truth so often I have to be careful that it doesn’t just roll off my tongue without thought. Because the last thing I want to do is simply parrot a spiritualism rather than share a Biblical fact.

It’s important to me to hold deeply to the things I believe because I need them. I need these assurances that God is who He says He is, because life seems to have a way of making a girl need Jesus.

In the past two weeks, our family has lost two financial partners in our ministry. Added together, a good chunk of our budget has evaporated. We know these friends have prayed over reassigning their money, and we are grateful for the years the Lord used them to encourage and support us in this ministry. But yes, it’s a blow.

Add to this that I’m currently nursing three sick children back to health just a week after Alice recovered from her own illness, and I’m reminded that looking for contentment, fulfillment, and a feeling of security here on earth is something we’re told will only result in emptiness.

There are flashes of joy here, and moments where we taste the foreshadow of heaven. But it’s a pale reflection of what is to come. This is what I say, anyhow.

Do I believe it?

Oh, friends, I do.

In these hours of sleeplessness wiping the sweat from a child’s brow, in this season of reallocating budget lines to be sure there are funds for the kids’ shoes as well as a Nepali pastor’s training, I am keenly aware of the words I have spoken and the promises God has shared in His Word. He is good. He is enough. He is my strength. Jesus has paid the debt of my sin with His blood. All of this refills my empty cup and brings me peace when my circumstances offer none.

Do you believe what you say? Has it brought you the hope you needed in the midst of turmoil? Share in the comments how it has anchored you in hard times!

In Christ,

Heather