When the time is right, I’ll share some of my experiences, that at least two people, who asked me this same question we’re referring to. For now, as I thought about how I would phrase my answer, I smiled, shaking my head, looking down for a few seconds, as one of my opposers, trying to answer this question for me, said: “because I’m stubborn.” Truly, I tell you, that’s far from the Truth. Although, I believe myself as Steadfast in Faith, instead.
Many think that faith is blind belief, or something that one can “fake it til you make it”. And, in the beginning, it can seem that way because an adult new to the Christian faith has no, or very little, schema built from past experiences that can point to experiencing the Goodness of God. Before I recommitted my life to Christ, I blindly believed there was a God, and went through my life considering Him simply an arbitrary spirit in the sky that periodically looked down on us, like an owner of an ant farm, to ensure we were surviving in our habitat. But, it’s through the tough experiences, as I sought Him out, that I began to find Him. And, in finding Him, I learned that He is exponentially so much more than I thought.
What I realized too, is there are differing levels of faith. Which at lower levels of faith, where there’s a lack of knowledge of God and His ways, can create openings where the very dark trials sent against a person can seep in to destroy their faith, or prevent it from deepening. As one who seeks to bring others to the faith of Christ, I have noticed that there are many who lost faith in God, or never developed a belief in Him “DUE” to unpleasant circumstances they went through in their lives. Here is where I’d like to encourage, those of you who this has happened to early in your life, or perhaps you’re going through something right now that seems to be weakening your faith in Him, to try not to give up on God for disappointments you’ve experienced. Because, it’s in looking at those experiences through the Eyes of God that you can begin to see elements of your experiences that give you a more whole picture of what’s happening, and keep you sustained in peace that surpasses all understanding, strength, and protection, as you progress through it.
In my situations, some witnessed what challenged me, and perceived, for example, three limiting circumstances that lingered, as God letting me down. But, what they didn’t see were the 100 situations where He consistently came through mightily. But, to keep it succinct, the next few reasons my faith in The Lord has stayed strong, starts with understanding that…
God Allows Struggles for Good Reasons
Hardships don’t mean God doesn’t exist. Just as dark forces send hardships to break us, God uses them to build us; to build our knowledge of Him, ourselves in terms of our individual identity in Him, gifts & callings, and to build our character. Consider the story of Young David (see 1 Samuel in the Holy Bible) before He became King. What came against him through King Saul was to keep him from answering the call on his life to become King. Yet, The Lord used the very same circumstances to help Young David build trust in Him, by showing him his provision and preservation. With this knowledge of God, having seen God’s presence and His practices, when we rise to the top, as King David eventually did, we can be Anchored in Adonai, knowing that some of the biggest challenges that can come at us is when we are at the top. But, when the same God that was with us in the valley is there to help us overcome new devils that come at each higher level, we can begin to soar, and most of all be sustained there.
Now, those of you who have had terrible experiences as children, there are reasons for those struggle too. But, unfortunately, this is not a suitable outlet to address such sensitive topics. If you’d like to discuss privately, please book your Complimentary “Free to Discover Me” Spiritual Enrichment Coaching session. If it’s a topic you don’t mind discussing amongst others with similar experiences, contact me at:https://CSHLoveLife.com/Contact, and I will arrange a group coaching session around this topic. In the meantime, it helps to trust that…
Promises of God are Dependable
Now before I go into this topic, I’d like to remind you that “some” promises of God are “Conditional”, as in if you do this, God will do that. But…! To give you a few that I have leaned on is:
Psalm 91:11 mentions, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”. It’s in the midst of troubles that you need guarding and guidance, first. Most often, if there is no trouble, no reason arises for high levels of Divine protection to take place although it’s still there at lower indiscernible levels. This is something that’s been apparent to me from the very beginning of some of what I’ve experienced.
Another, is; “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”, as per Proverbs 23:18. Not too long ago, I was coaching someone on how to build trust. One example I used was that trustworthiness is built by doing what you say you will do, consistently. This is how I’ve learned God is. He makes us promises, gives us hope, but because God often does complex things in our lives, they don’t always come to pass quickly. How I’ve held to the Hope He gives, how, like King David once said, His promises preserves my life, is that God unfolds some of His promises gradually wherein, if paying attention, you can see it coming to pass in drips and drabs where necessary; maybe slow going but definitely growing into fruition. Numbers 23:19, tells us that “God is not a man; He will not lie. God is not a human being; His decisions will not change. If He says He will do something, then He will do it. If He makes a promise, then He will do what He promised.” For, The Lord knows reneging on His promises would make Him foolish in that He would never be able to get anyone to trust Him if He never does what He says He’s going to do. Foolish He’s not, but a Holy Spirit that emits Wisdom! Along with what’s helped even these mentioned elements become parts to building and sustaining my faith is to…
Maintain a Genuine Healthy Relationship with God
Here’s what’s important know… when you don’t know God, it’s easy to get duped by the trickery manipulation and deceptions of the world, for example, in thinking God promised something or someone He didn’t. OR… believe it or not, trying to convince you that God DID NOT promise that person or thing. This is why my relationship with God, who I’ve learned over the years is a bi-directional communicative God, has kept me guided in the light, in right directions; saying no to what would bring harm, and yes, to what doesn’t, and pausing at what I’m not sure about. Having this kind of relationship with Him helps us to know His voice, which embodies His character, so we don’t get misled by counterfeits. “Counter”-“Fits”: may look real, the crumple rustle of the hustle may sound real, but when you look and listen closely, they “counter”, as in Oppose, much of what and who is the Real God, not a good “Fit” for His character. I discuss why we should, and how to get to know the Christian God in more depth in my (Pod)Casting Potential Episode 11: 4 Ways to Start or Improve Hearing the Voice of God. On this episode’s page is a companion checklist that I encourage you to download to guide you through the process of getting to know God better.
There are so many other goodies that I could share that keep faith strong in times where you may be most vulnerable, but these are a great start in building your own faith! Maintain a genuine healthy relationship with The Lord, where you get to know how He fashions His likes dislikes and promises, as well as learn patterns of how He responds to events in our lives, similar to how He’s done for others in the past. For, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So, what He did before, in a similar context He’ll do it again; what He’s done for several few, when fitting, He’ll do for you, too!
To discuss any questions or comments that arise out of this Ask LuKeisha answer, please join, Free, the LCMI Member Community, and post in the Assured Apologetics Abode group. I hope to see you there soon!
Love You to Life!
LuKeisha Carr Ministries International
