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Have a Little Faith

Ever since I shared my first blog post back in August, I haven't really allowed myself the time to keep writing. School started, life got busy, and the words weren't coming as easily to me. In light of our current situation, the past few days have given me the time that I normally would not have given myself. I figure now is as good a time as any to share what's been on my heart -- and I hope you find these words as encouraging as I do.

Just a few months ago, when we looked towards 2020 and all we hoped it would contain, I'm sure a global pandemic wasn't on anybody's radar. I think over the past week, we've come to realize that this is a situation we have very little control over. Yes, you should wash your hands and yes, you should practice social distancing -- but ultimately, if we could control the extensiveness of this pandemic we would not be in this situation.

I recently heard somebody say that in times of uncertainty you can feed your fears or you can feed your faith -- one of them will grow. We will never know all of the answers and I think it's important, especially now, to have a little faith.

If there is one thing I am certain of, it is that God is always working. I like to think of it like renovating a house. Oftentimes when He's at work a lot of "demolition" will occur and in the midst of the chaos, we'll ask ourselves: is God really good? But, just like when you're renovating a house, demolition isn't a sign of destruction but rather intentional progress. His invitations are usually disguised as trials and tribulations. I've seen these invitations over and over again in my own life. He want us to run to Him, but not for His ability to change things -- because what He has to offer us is so much greater.

It's usually in times like this -- in seasons of change, when we are afraid we have lost control -- that we distrust God's goodness and try to overcome these challenges on our own. The problem is, when we try to take control, we ultimately leave no room for God to be God. True faith involves surrendering to Him. If you choose not to forfeit control, instead you forfeit the ability to see God work. You forfeit the peace that only He can offer. You can walk in peace today by trusting the Lord, but peace requires surrender. This doesn't mean our circumstances will feel peaceful, nor does it mean our prayers will suddenly be answered, but it does mean our minds can be free from worry.

As we are approached with opportunities to worry, may we see those as opportunities to praise. As opportunities to draw closer to the Lord. May we seek Him first, because when we seek Him, we find Him. And when the Lord seems silent, know that you probably aren't close enough to hear what He's saying. The truth of God's character is evident in every page of Scripture, if you'll take a look. Over the past year, I have read a number of devotionals and books that have helped me draw closer to the Lord. I have attached my favorite ones in links below and I cannot recommend them enough!

Just remember that in times where it's easy to feel isolated, we need to do our best to lean on each other. We need to be intentional with one another. We need to check in on one another. But, most importantly, we need to have faith. At such a time as this, what do we have to lose?



"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." -- Jeremiah 29:13

Books and devotionals I've read:
Welcome to Adulting, Jonathan Pokluda
Live, Sadie Robertson
The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel
Dangerous Prayers, Craig Groeschel
Above All Else, Chelsea Crockett
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married, Ben Stuart


Comments

  1. As always, beautifully written. I love you, Hannah!
    Aunt LeAnne

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow! That one hit hard. I know I need longer table. Thank you Hannah for those inspiring words.

    ReplyDelete

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