Faith under Fire

1 John 4:16 (New International Version)
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Today this verse jumped up and waved its hands at me.

We know and are convinced of, God's love for us. He demonstrated his love for us in Christ. We would have to be blind not to see it. Of course, sometimes we are.

Yes, I know God's love; both intellectually and experientially.

Today though, more than "knowing," I am "relying" on that love.

The word "rely" speaks to me of leaning on something that is solid; that will not give way; something I can depend upon--something I can trust. If I cannot, then my faith is empty and hollow.

When I rely on the love God has for me, it is my turn to demonstrate. I show, rather than tell, that my faith is in the One who sees the other side of the mountain I am facing; who has answers I haven't even considered, to my problems--and whose promises are "Yes" and "Amen."

It's a tough time for some of us right now and we feel as if we are sinking under the weight of an avalanche. But I choose to stand for Jesus. I repent of my complaints and I choose instead to let praise and gratitude flow from my lips. I am challenged to go deeper and higher; to let the fire temper me and make me stronger, not burn me. For he is worthy and he is faithful.

2 Corinthians 1:20-21 (New International Version)
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,

Comments

Dave Hingsburger said…
What ever it is that you are facing I add my prayers to yours. I understand relying on God too well. I am on a lecture tour of the UK and bow my head and invite God into my presentation every morning. I can't imagnine going at it alone.
2:01 AM
Susan said…
Wow. That was exactly what I needed to hear.

Onward and upward - in Love!
6:35 AM
Belinda said…
Dear Friends,
We aren't going it alone. The temptation is great sometimes to give in to the lies of the Enemy. I "will" not!
I love you both and am with you in prayer too, today.
7:50 AM
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