I wanted to pass on some wisdom I read in my book, "When I Lay My Isaac Down," today. This touched my heart and has forever changed me. One of the challenges in this chapter was a question that asked, "Is faith more powerful when the lamb appears-or can faith be even greater when the desired outcome doesn't happen." (Carol Kent). What a tough question! Am I more faithful to God because I have hope that He will provide what I desire? Will I remain faithful and strong if my outcome never comes and He has an entirely different plan for my life? I am challenged...and renewed. I am more determined than ever to stand firm in my faith regardless of what God's story for my life entails. I will not be thwarted in my faith. I love Him and He is good no matter if there is a ram in the thicket or it is empty. Here are some encouraging and challenging words Carol Kent shares in her book from Oswald Chambers and Jim Cymbala...
"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason-a life of knowing Him who calls us to go.
One of the Enemy's most damaging tactics is to paralyze us with our own emotional and psychological wounds-to fill us with such pain and shame that we despair of ever being able to 'get up and walk.'"
"Instead of focusing on the faithfulness of God, we focus on what the circumstances seem to dictate...But faith enables us to see God on top of all our problems. If we only see the problems, we get depressed and start making wrong decisions...'Unbelief' talks to itself instead of talking to God...when we talk to ourselves, we're not talking to anyone very smart because our outlook is VERY limited. But if we talk to God, we're talking to someone who knows everything. He knows what He promised in the beginning, and He knows exactly how to fulfill those promises no matter the circumstances."
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason-a life of knowing Him who calls us to go.
One of the Enemy's most damaging tactics is to paralyze us with our own emotional and psychological wounds-to fill us with such pain and shame that we despair of ever being able to 'get up and walk.'"
"Instead of focusing on the faithfulness of God, we focus on what the circumstances seem to dictate...But faith enables us to see God on top of all our problems. If we only see the problems, we get depressed and start making wrong decisions...'Unbelief' talks to itself instead of talking to God...when we talk to ourselves, we're not talking to anyone very smart because our outlook is VERY limited. But if we talk to God, we're talking to someone who knows everything. He knows what He promised in the beginning, and He knows exactly how to fulfill those promises no matter the circumstances."
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
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