The apostle Paul said "We walk by faith, not by sight" Jesus said to not worry and live one day at a time. We love to quote those verses to others when things get rough and the answers are slow in coming. Yet as Christians that is how we should live every day. The truth is most of us have never really had to do that which can make it easier said than done. When we are really challenged to walk by faith and not worry do we do it? Recently I have had to practice what I preach in relation to that. Three weeks ago I was laid off from my secular job which was our primary source of income. It was devastating. What would we do? How did I tell my family? Even though I believed my faith to be strong there was some anxiety. This challenge would put my faith to the test especially when I started looking for jobs. I found out very quickly there were none in my field of expertise locally. The ones out of town to this day have not responded. What was the next step? There was panic not peace. "What's up with that Pastor? You should be our example of how to live in peace." After about 2 weeks of walking by sight and with much worry through prayer God is showing me how to walk by faith. Much of the key to that is the living one day at a time. I try to take each day and concern myself with it and the tasks required. While I do make appointments and have a schedule beyond that day I try not to concern myself with the details. As each day ends I am amazed by God's provision. And if I don't have a clear answer I know tomorrow brings new hope. I have seen through this that much of my life till now had been my plan not HIS. I am trying to listen for what are the next steps for me. Full time ministry? Part time secular employment? I don't know yet. But HE does. And he will reveal it to me if I will just be still ,during this time when it is difficult to be still, and know that he is GOD. He has it all under control.
Perhaps some of you may find it difficult to walk by faith. Your circumstances seem impossible. You worry all the time. I encourage you today to trust him with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) I won't tell you I don't struggle a bit. But there is a peace in this storm that I can't explain except that it's from HIM and the knowledge that at just the right time He will come through with something way better than I could ever imagine. And that's awesome.
Until next time,
Pastor Paul
