“What does it mean to walk by faith? It means to obey God’s Word in spite of the feelings within us, the circumstances around us, and the consequences before us.” – Warren Wiersbe
The heat of the day was fading as the sun began to set. She grabbed my hand and looked up with her deep brown eyes to initiate the sweetest invitation.
“Will you please go on a bike ride with me?”
She’s the youngest of four and normally it would have already been past her bedtime, but Summer has a way of softening strict schedules and resistant mama hearts. Plus, the only way she was going to overcome her bike-riding fears after her last ugly wipe-out was to chin-up, helmet-up, and get back on that bike.
She sits up confidently and looks straight ahead on the smooth and wide-open roads. Her favorite place to ride is an abandoned parking lot, where the risks of distraction and confinement are eliminated. The lot might be lonelier and less exhilarating than where we live, but it’s safe. With the knowledge that her foundation is sure, her posture is at peace and she takes in the beauty around her…
“The purple flowers in Summer are my favorite.”
“Mom, God makes the most beautiful sunsets.”
“Can we ride a little longer?”
It’s the bumpy, narrow, and uphill climbs on our street that get to her, so I tell her to follow my lead. We live here so we must learn here. If she’ll look up and trust my navigation, I have her best interest in mind and will lead her through the potholes and around oncoming traffic. If she’ll follow my lead, she’ll find so much freedom, beauty, and joy right where she’s planted.
But often, she doubts.
On our last ride she had allowed fear to creep in. Her body slouched as her eyes drifted away from me and onto the obstacles around her. As she looked down at all that could go wrong, her confidence plummeted. Within a matter of seconds she panicked, went her own way, turned too sharply, and found herself pinned to the ground by a scratched up glittery pink frame.
O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
These were the Lord’s words to Peter, and I can hear Him saying them to me.
Jesus had just miraculously fed the 5,000…
I stand confidently and full of faith when life’s roads are smooth sailing and when Jesus’s wonder-working power is displayed front and center. I’m filled up with God-confidence, I know my Savior is near, and I look forward to my comfortable place inside “the boat.” Sure, it might be a little far removed and less exhilarating here, but it has the initial appearance of safe. And Lord knows I like safe.
All is well until the winds of life begin to pick up.
It’s the uphill climb that gets me, so Jesus gently instructs me to follow His lead. He has me here for a purpose, so I must trust Him as I live here and learn here. If I’ll look up and follow His navigation, I’ll see that He has my best interest in mind and that His path will always lead me for my good and His glory.
But as the storm intensifies and the waves beat hard against me, I’m tempted to let fear creep in. My eyes drift off of Jesus and onto the obstacles that surround me. As I look at all that could go wrong, doubt wells up within me. Without a moment-by-moment surrender to His lead, I’ll turn my own way and find myself afraid, off course, and sinking… pinned down by my ugly attempt at self-sufficiency and the weight of the world around me.
And I’ll miss the beauty of who God is and all He has for me in the valley.
When your faith is little, look up! The God of the mountaintop is still the same God in the valley.
Don’t you love how in the book of Matthew it says that Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of Peter when he was sinking? Girl, He’s got you. We have a Savior who is our ever present help in trouble, and He’s ready and longing for us to cry out to Him, “Lord, save me!” If in the midst of the storm you’ve taken your eyes off of Jesus, you need to hear that it’s not too late. You can start walking by faith again today. Together let’s chin-up, armor-up, and by the grace of God get right back to where He’s calling us.
With the knowledge that her Foundation is sure, her posture is at peace and she takes in the beauty around her…
“God, in every change and season You are faithful.”
“Jesus, You create the most incredible beauty out of ashes.”
“Spirit, I’ll go where you lead me and stay for as long as you tell me.”
And when they got into the boat the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” – Matthew 14:32-33
When your faith is little, look up! The Son of God is in your midst…
At His feet,
Let’s talk: What doubt do you need to surrender to God as you begin to walk in faith today?
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We are in WEEK 1 of our SOLD OUT study! Though our study name is titled SOLD OUT… our journals are definitely not! 🙂 Make sure to pick up your copies today! Our Bible study journals are packed full of beautiful content, are easy to use, and are designed with YOU in mind!
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I’ve been waiting for God to work in a certain situation for over 2 yeas now. When I pray I get the same answer everytime. “Just wait. Be patient. I’ve got this and I will fix it better than you ever could. ” But 2 years of waiting gets tiring. It’s easy to take my eyes off Jesus and try to fix it myself. I pray daily that God wouldn’t help me to stay focused on Him.
Sweet friend, Waiting is so hard, what great joy it must be to know God is speaking to you and giving you comfort by telling to He’s got this. You are doing so well by looking up to him. I pray He continues to speak in love to you and that your prayer is answered.
Lacey, can I just encourage you to keep listening for that still small voice to guide you? God is speaking to your heart. Yes, waiting is hard. But the blessings of obedience far outweigh the wait. My daughter, who is 39, just married an incredible man this past week. Her first marriage. And this mommas heartcry for 20 years. Even her pastor shared that in his own prayer closer he pleaded with God to send her a soulmate, and he would have written a prescription for marriage years ago. But God. I watched as she wept walking down the aisle, never keeping her eyes off her future husband. That’s how God works.
I have read this scripture many many times over my 55 yr walk with the Lord and am always humbled when I read “oh ye of little faith – why did you doubt me”. But what struck me this morning was those in the boat .. There were others watching Peter’s encounter with Christ…. watching Peter’s bold start, his stumble and the Lords’s rescue. We’re being watched by family, friends and co-workers as we boldly step out “YEAH” .. but they’re also watching when we stumble and fall “GASP” . Others are watching to see “will she recover?” As we refocus, put our eye back in Christ and recover … others are watching and praising God.
Yes, it’s important for me … to stay focused on the Lord my personal walk with Him but I need to remember. How I react and respond to the ups and down effect those around me . Others are watching.
Diane, you make an absolutely beautiful point about the others who are watching us. Our testimonies indeed are our everyday walk in faith. Our stumbles, our recoveries and our praises all reflect our “little” faith. May we all remember that our personal walk is witnessed by others
We will be having our first child in October. I’m terrified. I don’t really enjoy children… and feel completely unprepared.
I think God keeps reminding me that he’s with me always. He doesn’t necessarily prepare us for his work because he is with us. He will help us raise our child.
Last night I was visiting a friend, who lives in another town,whose husband is dying of cancer. He is in the final stage of his life. She talked about faith and how difficult it is to hold on when you are watching your husband deteriorate before your eyes. She feels isolated and alone. Her friends at church don’t visit or call. She had to beg her pastor to come and see him. She shared that it’s hard to ” keep the faith” when you feel abandoned by God’s people. But then we talked about how even in the midst of all the turmoil God has not left her and that focusing back on Him will bring her peace. We should be able to trust that the people who are God’s hands and feet will be there to help lift us up but when they aren’t obedient our faith in Him should not waver. He is very present in times of suffering. He loves us and is preparing a place for us. Faith walks us forward inspite of our fears and hurts.
Martie thank you for sharing. Prayers for your friend in her hour of need. I pray she gets the support and comfort that she is seeking. I am sure you going to visit made her day. Thank you so much for joining and sharing with us.
In the passed two years I’ve been separated from husband, now living on my own for the first time ever, and just found out that I have cancer. I wanted to give up so many times when dealing with the issue of my marriage and now my health is an issue. I’ve been taken out of work, so now finances are an issue. But I realize that God loves me. He will only do what is best for me. I have a hard time always remembering that. I want to run away and isolate into my own little world, blocking everyone, including God, from my life. I’ve also learned that while I’m waiting on Him to work in my life, He’s waiting on me. When I isolate and choose to cut Him out, He’s waiting for me. Never giving up on me because He loves me. So I can’t do much while I’m waiting so see where He’s going to take me, but I can serve Him in any way possible while I’m waiting. One day at a time. That’s all I know to do.
Precious Marie, please hold on. It is so hard to trace God’s hand. But TRUST His heart. He sees you and He loves you. He knows that all you know to do is take each day as it comes. I pray that you hear His love song to you as you study His Word. I pray for your strength to wait and know that He is GOD.
Sweet Marie, thank you for joining us. I can’t imagine the turmoil you are going through during this time. Prayers for you as you seek God and His love and direction. You said it right, He is always waiting on us, no matter our storms.
So Today I read about Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on the water to Jesus. I’ve read this so many times but today Matt. 14:32 stuck out – Peter got out of the boat and walked to Jesus. He began to sink and called out. Jesus immediately reached out and took hold of him. Then in verse 32 it says “when they got back into the boat.” – They – Which means Jesus walked Peter back to the boat. ..alongside…maybe holding him up. How far away from the boat were they? Did they walk in silence? Did they talk? Bottom line…Jesus didn’t leave Peter’s side…yeah…that…
Diana! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I love how you put Jesus didn’t leave Peter’s side….I think my favorite from this passage today was…Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out when called…..He is always here for us no matter what and as you said walking beside us or carrying us. Again thank you for joining and sharing with us today.
I have been going through a season of trials, especially with my 14-year-old son. Whenever I keep my eyes on Jesus, the trials are easier to endure. However, when I let doubt sneak back in and take back the situation from Jesus, everything quickly deteriorates, and I mean QUICKLY! It’s so hard as a mom, to hand my son off, even to Jesus, and wait for God’s guidance in the situation. I want to hurry up and bring him back from the darkness of his choices, including breaking the law/probation and the biggie, deciding he’s an atheist. However, Jesus’s has this and when I try and fix the situation it’s a DISASTER. I remind myself constantly, Let go and let God!
Susan,
Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your story! I can relate to the trials of a teenage son and rebellious actions. Raising kids is tough work, but allowing them to grow and make their own decisions as they become young adults is extremely difficult! I think you said it best when you said, “Let go and let God!” I know this situation is truly walking by faith for you, but know that God is working behind the scenes and is already on the other side of your son’s and your futures. Also know you and your family are being prayed over. God Bless You!
I am just getting ready to send encouraging emails to those who requested prayer at our church. I facilitate the LCC 1:11* Servant Prayer Team to over 75 people, including staff, elders, and volunteers, who will be praying for these needs. The 1:11 is Nehemiah 1:11. When I got through making out the list for the pray-era and before contacting those who had needs, I took a little break to check my email and saw this blog for today. THANK YOU, LORD, AND WHITNEY for handing me the answer for two women who put in Requests out of the 25ish Prayer Requests. Both are feeling fear and are feeling they have no purpose for their lives. This blog is soooo encouraging and uplifting! I would ask y’all to pray for these women who are in such desperate need that this blog, and the Lord of it, will reach their heart and draw them close so that their hearts will turn to look up and see Him Who will change their lives if they ask! I love you precious ones who make LGG work and those ladies who, like me, are facilitators of the groups reaching all around the world, trusting lives to be changed by the input of the Word of God in these precious groups! May God rest His blessings on you all!
Pat,
Thank you for being here, and sharing how God spoke to you today through the blog. Isn’t God amazing! He goes before us and prepares our path, and is there with us along the way. Often times we get so wrapped up in our situations, that we want to fix it and move on to the next task. But when we take God out of the equation, that’s when things just seem to go in the wrong direction. I am so glad you found answers to your prayer requests through the blog today! And thank you for sharing it with others and for your ministry work in your home church. God Bless You!
I would start by saying FOCUS! Keeping my eyes on him, not the distractions surrounding my life. I know He’s always near, I know His plans are best, it’s just a matter of tearing up my plans and listening to Him, first. He is first, I start with Him first. Thank you, today’s study is a great reminder, focus on our leader in life, our Jesus, our maker, our Savior!
Monique, beautiful words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and we are so glad you are joining us in this study!
Keep ahold of God. In the midst of every storm. Oh Lord how true are those words. I let go of you after a violately relationship. I allowed my depression and anxiety to take ahold of me. I became lost within my own soul and pain. Lord I turned my cheek from you and you presisted and turned it back. Even as I walk in this shadow of darkness, you are walking beside me into the valley of light!
Angi, prayes for you as go through this time. Thank you for sharing and joining us.
I just submitted our foster care application process, which I KNOW is God’s calling on our lives right now, but still, I am fearful. We have three young girls (6,4,2), one income, never enough time to do anything it seems, and so I say, “How am I going to do this Lord?!”…over and over and over again. I KNOW that if I keep my eyes fixed on him he will bring me more peace and supernatural provision to “get this job done” that it will be a crazy testament of his grace, mercy, and glory, but even though I KNOW these things, I still feel afraid. I am praying that my seeds of doubt and fear can be replaced by His WORD. His truth. So I will go and find a scripture verse to memorize today. 🙂
So thankful I have found this community!! I LOVE the bible studies and the community I have found within them. GOD BLESS YOU!!!
How Exciting that you have been called into foster care ministry! I know it is scary because our eldest daughter and her husband had a small foster care ranch with 5 horses, 10 dogs , and over 50 kids came through their doors during the 14 years they did it. They had 3 “belly grown” kids before they started the ministry…. They ended up adopting 11 kids so in all they have 14 children. I love them all equally! There have been many bumpy places in their journey with many miraculous events as well. At times they wanted to call it quits but they knew God had called them to it. They have had much heartache but much joy and laughter too…. The kids they have loved for short periods or have taken on to love forever are all broken kids when they arrived. It is amazing to watch what a lot of hugs and structure in their lives can do to help them on their lifes journey…. I will pray for you….. It is a tough job but keep your eyes focused on God’s provision and His calling. When He calls you to something He equips you to do it with His help.
Dear Jonna, what a privilege it is to be able to hear God’s voice and know in your heart that it is Him. Please trust that He will provide all that you need. To have your husband’s and daughters’ support is confirmation. The child God sends to your family has probably been waiting and praying for you. God has a way of orchestrating circumstances to answer prayers. Live your life every day with no regrets. Let God use you.
I have just downloaded the App because I know I need to understand and draw closer to Jesus. I am struggling in my marriage and with my relationship with 16 year old son. feeling very alone, sad, angry and lost. I pray for answers, direction and help and feel like nothing gets better.
Kathleen .. remember, our Abba Father has huge shoulders and strong loving arms. Don’t be hesitate to give our Heavenly Daddy your feelings and tears of anger, hurt, sadness and feeling of loss. He Can Take It! And yes, you are a wife and mother but first and foremost you are a Child of The King – Daughter of The Most High – A Princess! When you’re feeling low and sometimes beaten down … remember who’s you are – straighten that crown, lift your head and stand tall. Being all you can be as a believer will equip you to be all that you’re meant to be as a wife and mother. … praying for you, Kathleen.