Faith

When things are not going all that well, I wonder how long will those moments last? When can I experience relief? And when things are going exceptionally well, I wonder how long can I hold onto those moments? How long will those moments last? There’s something wrong with both of those scenarios.

Imagine there is a problem that is affecting you, and you don’t know yet how to pass through it. This breeds worry. Worry is uncertainty, and it feels bad.

Now imagine, the solution to the problem has been found, and steps have been taken which move toward it. This encourages belief, which says, “I see the end result of the steps I have taken in order to achieve resolution and I believe these things will take place to achieve the desired end.” In the moments of belief a certain confidence calms the anxiety and uncertainty previously inspired by the problem.

Once the solution is found and successfully implemented, this inspires peace, but there is still a trauma associated with the manifestation of the original problem. Like a scar it serves as a reminder that difficult moments had come, surprising moments, challenging moments, and this can be intimidating and frightening because it means that moments like them are apt to happen at any time. This reminder also shows that somehow you survived.

Now imagine living every moment of every day with the kind of confidence and trust that says no matter the solution, it is enough. This is faith, and faith is bigger than belief, and is not a delusion of control. Faith is not defined by the end result of a previous circumstance. Faith does not even assure victory over a challenge. Faith breeds contentment, to be able to say, “In all things I have learned to be content: in little and in much, hungry and full, having need and having plenty.”

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.