Faith and Assurance

 

Faith and Assurance

Do you struggle with your faith when going through a difficult time?  That may seem like an easy question as many of us do.   When we are really hurting, and wondering if God really cares, where is He?   Where does our faith come in?

If you are searching for scripture on faith and assurance, Hebrews is a great book in the New Testament of the Bible to read.  Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) reads:  Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

It seems like even the smallest thing can throw us for a loop doesn’t it?  When we are down and out, it doesn’t take much.  However, with God’s help we can get through these tough times.   Hebrews 10:22 (NIV) reads:  Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

I know I often suggest that you/we reflect on our life in the past to focus on today and the future.  Several years ago I attended a coaching seminar.   One of the assignments towards the end of the seminar.   We were to share with our self as an 18 year old on what we have learned today and what was most important.  This was probable the most meaningful assignment I have done! 

One of the great things about reflecting back on our lives, is seeing where we have been, what we went through and how we can focus on the future.  Life is full of ups and downs.   Some of these are more difficult to go through than others.  Psalms 46:10 (NIV) reads:   Be still and know that I am God.  This promise is so great!   Just trusting God to help us get through the bad and the good.  

I love Rick Warren’s quote on faith.  He says:   Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem, Faith takes you through the problem.  Faith doesn’t always take away the pain, Faith gives you the ability to handle the pain.  Faith doesn’t always take you out of the storm, Faith calms you in the midst of the storm.

While you are going through these tough times in our lives, remember to take note of a few things such as:

• Pay attention to what pulls you down and what energizes you.
• Take care of your health.
• Exercise is always beneficial and relieves stress.
• Due to lack of touch in your life, consider having a massage, a pedicure or a manicure.
• Perhaps keeping a journal to help you express and understand what you are going through.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.   Remind yourself that those who love you really want to help.

Thank goodness for the promise we have in Christ.  I trust you believe in the promise and hope we have in Him.   Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) reads: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s blessing to each of you as you grow from your grief to where God would have you be.