Christians often say things like “You need to have faith,” or “Faith means knowing that God will do it,” or “Trusting means you’re not afraid” or other such phrases that attempt to summarize and define faith. Between us, I can’t relate to any of these statements.
Recently, over a cup of coffee, a dear friend shared with me her admiration for my faith, and how she was struggling with trusting God over certain situations in her life. I had to tell her that every question and doubt she voiced had been mine.
I’ve often agonized over questions like “How do I know that I have faith?” or “How can I say I’m trusting when I’m actually scared to death?” Like the father of a boy Jesus healed said, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” 1 I want to trust, but I don’t always know what that looks like.
Trusting God through failing careers, financial loss, losing friends, transcontinental moves, a miscarriage, and all the everyday challenges of life isn’t my first nature. I’ve wrestled with a lot of doubt and resistance in my heart, saying to God I know You’re good, but are you good to me? Do You want what’s good for me?
This is an ongoing journey, but at least it’s a journey. I don’t need faith for the rest of my life and trust for every and any possible events. I only need to trust minute by minute. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have it all figured out, or to feel inadequate in my faith. God meets me exactly there.
What I shared with my friend was that I’ve never regretted trusting God. Even when I’ve been pretty shaky in my faith, He’s still been faithful. And because God is faithful, He can be trusted fully to completely carry out His commitments to us in Christ.
Have you been plagued with fear, and are you longing for peace? Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He gave His life so you and I can have His peace. All we have to do is to accept Him by saying this simple prayer:
Jesus, please come into my heart and give me Your peace, hope, and love, Amen.
- Mark 9:24 NLT↑