I'm learning a lot about faith of late. I believe that faith and focus go hand in hand. I must keep my focus on Jesus to keep my faith in Him strong. I have never, ever doubted the existence of God or that Jesus came to earth to die for my sins. My belief has been unshakeable, but what about my faith?
Let's just say that it's deepening as I become more focused and more reliant on Him for the strength I need. I just need to put my foot out into the Jordan in an act of faith and let Him do the rest.
My 24 in 2010 scripture memory verse for the 15th of April talks about faith in Jesus. My focus has shifted to Him as the ultimate comfort for the lack I've felt in my life. I am finally feeling - not just thinking about, but feeling - His power in my life. Over the last few weeks I have literally cried out to Him on a weekly basis to help me, to give me strength and to take the pain away. But as my reading of Revelation revealed to me two nights ago, the pain is purposeful.
"...God's holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus." - Revelation 14:12 NLT
I don't 'do' patient very well, nor do I 'do' persecution, obeying and maintaining. I am learning though. Slowly, but surely. As I feel myself exiting the wilderness that has been my life for the last 40 years, I can feel myself becoming more patient, tolerating persecution better, obeying what He wants me to do and maintaining my faith in Jesus.
Jesus the Gentleman loves me. God the Father adores me. The Holy Spirit guides me. I ask you, what more could a girl want in life at this point in time?
Thank You Heavenly Father for Your Word and the wisdom it bestows on me right when I need it, and right on time. Enduring persecution patiently is a strengthening tool that You use to help us maintain our faith. It works and it's perfect, just like You. In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen
Oh Paula, I'm so encouraged by your words. You've come a long way, haven't you? Our trials are not wasted as they bring us closer to Jesus. How awesome to have Him wipe away our tears and provide His comfort to our hurting hearts. I'm so glad you made the choice to open your heart and allow Him to provide you with all you need.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Debbie
Dear Paula,
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited your blog place in ages...but I went to my Dashboard this morning and started visiting blogs I'm following... yours is one of them.
You have a beautiful way of expressing what is on your heart. I can relate to what you have written on the last three recent posts (I read all three just now). Maintaining faith...that is something we all need to do. Even the picture of the woman who touched the hem of the robe Jesus was wearing spoke to me.
For my life has really been all about faith...all these years, I know that. And reading your posts have served to be a good reminder to me. I do need to maintain my faith, and not allow it to go stale. Belief is different from faith. I kind of like to think that belief is intellectual, but faith is found in our heart.
Beliefs can just remain up there, right...and we can be unchanged by our beliefs.
I loved the way you spoke of maintaining our relationships as well.
The third post at the bottom of this page also touched my heart...as well as the song. Psalm 36 is one of my favorite psalms.
I am praying for you as I end this comment, dear Paula. You have indeed come a long way, Debbie is right. I am believing for you today, dear friend, that God is indeed restoring you.
Hold on tightly and never give up!
Love
Lidj
As always, you are an inspiration to me. xo
ReplyDeletePaula,when I read your posts you sound like the promised land is very much in sight! I love what He is doing in all our lives. Keep writing we all need that encouragement xx
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