Day 16: Faith

Times are tough. The economy is bad, jobs are scarce, tempers are short, and hostilities are high. It seems like there is a bubble deep within the core of the earth that is growing as tensions mount, threatening to burst. Times like these certainly make faith difficult, but faith is exactly what we need right now.

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
~Psalm 40:1-3 (KJV)

Sure, things aren't the greatest right now, but the key is patience. God has a plan--the PERFECT plan--and He knows better than any of us combined, just as a good parent knows what is better for their children even if the children think that they know best. I've talked about patience before, so get a little practice in and be patient with me. I can't say it enough: GOD KNOWS BEST! Even if the situation you're in seems terrible, there is a reason for it. It's either to teach you something to make you a better person, or it's to teach someone else something to make him/her a better person. Either way, it's spiritual growth and it's a good thing. Good results can come from bad experiences if only you open your eyes to see them. I was sick for a year, and I cried out to God constantly. I admit, there were times when my faith wasn't what it should have been, but God carried me through and, looking back, I know that I'm a better, stronger, more dedicated person because of it.

So if you're in a pit, cry out to God. He hears you and He wants to help you, but sometimes you need to look around and see who is in the pit with you. Sometimes you fall down so that you can help someone else up. Now, isn't that a noble perspective? Kind of ties into yesterday's post, huh?

Lord, Your children are in need of Your strength and guidance. Many have lost focus, and many have lost hope. Please, Lord, give words and strength to those who are faithful to You; let them be beacons for others and show them how to spread Your message. Please bless those who are less fortunate, and keep them always in the thoughts and prayers of those who have what they need. Please continue to bless my family and friends as You have, and may they be perpetually faithful. Bless our troops, for they face some of the most intense difficulties. Give them courage and bring them home safe. And Lord, please continue to walk with me through life. Please guide me and keep me strong in faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.