Oct 3, 2007

Faith is about focus


There are a lot of ideas out there about faith, but so many of the ideas aren't helpful. So many ideas only obscure my view of God. The eyes of my faith can't focus on the object of my immediate desire which in this case would be for Ian to be healed. No amount of verbal or mental claims for his healing will actually bring Ian back. I also can't focus on how much faith I have for that desired outcome, carefully adjusting my wording or my thought life to get the right formula. If Ian's return is dependent on how much "faith" I can muster (I have to be honest), we'll never see his return. My focus must remain on the only One who is almighty, who can do whatever he desires, yet who is kind and merciful and all-wise.
~~~~~
Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. Let me rest in your wise care and strong arms. Life is hard, but our days are in your hands. One day this will all be over, and we'll eat and have fellowship with you for eternity. The meal is ready. I can't wait.
~~~~~
Ian is struggling, it seems. I'm not sure why. Please pray for encouragement and motivation. Thank you for standing with us.
~~~~~
Steve

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Steve,
Amen! Wisely said. God alone is the One to place our hope in-and this faith in Him and His character will never disappoint. In this awesome God is my faith, and someday Ian will be dancing for joy in His presence.
Always with you in prayer,
Terry, for the Hall family

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your Biblical perspective of faith. I am so encouraged by your steadfastness. Continuing to pray for Ian and all of you. -Darci in FL

Anonymous said...

we place our hope in god, yet our circumstances are ever before us. lord, please help us, lest we go down to the pit. still praying.

Anonymous said...

To Ian--
I think and pray for you daily. I hope to get out there to visit you soon...I miss you and your family so much. Keep on persevering every day... "Do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is NOT slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient...
Love you, and will keep praying.

Unknown said...

Steve: I prayed for Ian and your family this AM. Thanks for keeping us updated. - Tim, WellSpring Church, CA

Anonymous said...

I continue to remember you all in my prayers since I found this blog, and come by daily for any updates.

Your words ring true Steve. If the object of our faith is our faith, we move nowhere, it has to be Christ.

Keep standing all of you, the day is coming when no longer will suffering be reality for those who belong to Christ but future glory will become present glory-Rom 8: 18

Everyday that passes draws us nearer to that glorious day, hallelujah.

Love to you all.

Liz, UK

Anonymous said...

God's Word defines faith for us as "the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see."(Hebrews 11:1) All of the examples of "faith" that follow in this chapter speak about people who were obedient to God, looking to the promise of a heavenly homeland and what God was going to do in the future. We are obedient and "in faith" today when we "believe on the One whom God has sent," ...Jesus. There is no sacrifice we can offer. God has already provided our sacrifice...Jesus. We show our obedience by putting our trust in Him to save us. That's why "to obey is better than sacrifice." Hebrews 5:8-9 says,"So even though Jesus was God's Son, He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. In this way God qualified Him as a perfect High Priest, and He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him." God is teaching you and us so much through all of this. None of it can compare to what we look forward to! The meaning of the word "blessed" in the New Testament speaks of being "fully satisfied" in the joy that comes from salvation. It is not necessarily the result of favorable circumstances, but rather in every and all circumstances. How "blessed" you are to see what faith really is. How "blessed" we are to share in that same faith in Jesus. Praise be to God that He is a God of salvation, redemption, miracles, healings.....Praise be to God when we can lift our eyes and look to the Him who is the Giver of all of these things in His perfect timing! Praying with you all and for you all...
In His Love,
Chris P.

Anonymous said...

What a great post, Steve!
How very true!
Thank you for your insight.

Still praying.

Mary Ann K.

Anonymous said...

Steve we are still praying for Ian and all of you.

Yes, I too have found out through adversity faith sometimes is simply following God's will. Our free will gives us a choice on whether to follow it or not. We glorify God by accepting this act alone, and he will glorify us.

We of course cannot understand God's will, but by having this faith of obedience we will someday understand his goodness.

God will bless

Denny Minori and family