April 28, 2011

Because When All Else Fails, Jesus Doesn't

Has your heart grown cold? Waiting and believing will ice the chambers of the soul without rays of warm hope.

I don't want to be naive here. Won't be surprised if hope has gone hey-diddle-diddle, eagerness running away with the spoon. It's not uncommon to turn from belief when every bite out life is sour staples, tearing up insides. Or when one bull horn too many has jabbed as we play the rodeo clown. Or when crickets are the only thing serenading... no direction, no proof in the puddin', no light at the end of the tunnel.

They say seeing is believing. Love says, "blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” {John 20:29}.

Because when all else fails, Jesus doesn't. And whether we feel, hear or see Him or not, the better choice is always to believe He will show up, come through.

Believe lazy cotton breezes will carry the hurt away
Believe fields of golden grass of innocence joy peace once stolen are yours to meander anew
Believe dappled flames of sun will lick the flames of His will for you ablaze

The fight to believe when proof has hitched it's wagon to another star wearies. Deferred hope sickens. That's why it's pertinent we go deeper into His love, His character, His Word.

I don't want to jeer at the goodness of God by portraying Him unworthy of tenacity. Won't mock His perfect plan by lobbing gnats as hand grenades to destroy doubts, instead of calling in the big guns. No, I will not give Love a bad name.

Instead I'll turn my cheek for the brush of the breeze. Sashe' in the tall grasses of grace. Turn my face toward the warm rays. During seasons of uncertain lengths of eclipses, I'll remind myself of the grandeur of His love I've seen in the light.

Friend, I don't know what you are waiting on. Job. Spouse. To see how this will work out for good. A child. Healing. Hope. Resurrection. I'm waiting on a few things myself. And here's what I know: Seasons change. Dawn follows; always. And even though we may not see His plan, He does. And it's good.

Do you believe?

Going Deeper
Sit before the Lord, praising and rejoicing over His character. {Good. Kind. Sovereign. Beginning&End. Gracious. Perfect.} Write out a list, adding to it daily. Next, seek grace for knowledge and understanding of His plans and perfect ways.

In what ways/areas have you ceased believing? Ask Him to reveal those areas and restore/renew hope. It's not too late to begin believing or to return from the fringes of doubt. Ask the Lord for help.

Jesus said to him,
"'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" ~Mark 9:20-25

Find a scripture to combat the areas you struggle to believe God is 'enough' over. Recite it outloud, post it on your mirror and fridge... until belief in Him replaces doubt.

Praying without ceasing for you. Thank you for journeying together!

xoxo, Sam

14 comments:

Unknown said...

All other hope will disappoint, but our hope in God does not. So I will wait and praise Him - even in the storm.

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

This was beautiful my friend...sharing it with the world. :)

stephanie said...

Beautiful visuals girl! In our survivors group, so many seem to be struggling with waiting on the Lord...but I think you are totally spot on. He calls us to gently skip through the grasses of grace, merily trusting along the way. Loving this post!!!

Kandi said...

Glad to see you are back Sam! I totally agree with Danielle, you need to write poetry, or songs or something, you truly have a gift of words. By the way, you gave me a good laugh when I read your last comment. Blessings to you.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful thoughts, beautiful words. You say them so well. What a great exhortation to find a scripture to combat our struggle and post it as a reminder on the mirror and fridge (too places I find myself in front of too often).... :)

Eileen said...

Vacation was good...but have missed so many great posts. Love this one! Have always loved that verse about believing but helping my unbelief..to have the faith to trust Him even when life might not be going along they way we picture it should go.

Fields of gold said...

Lisa, such solid truth! Praying for you as you wait this storm out, under the shadow of His wings.

Fields of gold said...

Nicki, you're so sweet! Thank you for your encouragement!

Fields of gold said...

Stephanie, that visual of a balmy golden carefree walk keeps resonating with me as God's grace for us to walk in. Praying for your survivors!

Fields of gold said...

Thanks Kandi! Your exhortation touches my heart! Thank you!!! :)

Fields of gold said...

V~ hoping you found your scripture and the Lord ministers to your heart through it! Thanks for your sweet words!

Fields of gold said...

Eileen, so glad you had a lovely vacation. Can't wait to hear more about it! Hope lots of your wonderful posts come from your time away.

Saved by the blood of Jesus said...

Psa 27:13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
If I had not found this verse, I would not be alive today. I am afflicted on everyside, but my Savior never forsakes me.
Thank you for your wise words.

Fields of gold said...

Dear Saved by the blood of Jesus... how precious and life giving is His Word. LOVE that that verse saved your life. Praying as you stay under His wings, the battle is not felt.