Whenever someone asks me how my husband is doing I say: "He has good days and he has bad days." It's my standard pat answer where I'm trying to be honest without being negative -- trying not to reveal too much and scare the asker off.
I see the look of disappointment as the asker scrambles for something to say next. I know they were expecting me to say "He is 100% well!" and then they can reply "I knew he would be -- I've been praying for him."
I feel like somehow I have let them down. I feel like I should be apologetic for my husband not being healed. I ought to pat them on the back and reassure them that their prayers do matter and that their faith is valid.
But, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are examples of FAITH in the midst of FIRE.
Image: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Daniel 3 quotes Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as saying:
16 “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
I'd heard the story all my life, but hadn't noticed "But even if He does not" until I became an adult.
If Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew without a doubt that God would save them, it wouldn't be amazing for them to step into the fire. It's because their faith was strong whether or not God saved them that the Bible tells us of their testimony.
And so, I do my best to go through life having faith in God whether or not He heals my husband in this present world; whether or not He minimizes my family's stresses; whether or not He restores my family's peace...
I know God hears my prayers. But even if He does not deliver us from our current circumstances, I will not lose faith.
because we are "...looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells" 2 peter 3:13.
ReplyDeleteAccording to his promises Chelsey, he will make things new. Even if he does not in this lifetime. I love this post, it is so encouraging to me. I have been wanting a perfect, healthy baby, and you know that's NOT a guarantee...so even if he does not....
Amen.
Powerful. Faith is truest in the wors times. It's easy to have faith when all is well.
ReplyDeleteit's one of my fav stories with daniel and his friends in the fire and he knows god CAN save them - he was never sure he WOULD..don't feel under pressure...as you're not responsible for the end result..
ReplyDeleteoh wow. this struck me hard, friend. i'm so glad to have met you... my mum battled brain cancer for eight years; i know how it is to answer "good days and bad," and to see their disappointment... and then, one day, the tumor was gone. but those were eight, long years... i am praying for you sister.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, it is full of truth. Sometimes there just aren't comfortable answers, but God is faithful throughout.
ReplyDeleteBless you. Kath.
Chelsey, I am praying for you today!! Thank-you for your honest & truth-filled words- as you continually learn to rely on our Great God!
ReplyDeleteJessica
Thank you for visiting Chelsey.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your honesty and your faithful heart encourages me. The Father asks that we trust Him to be all He has promised to be. Sometimes our circumstances don't change, but He does promise to be with us. I pray His presence and His peace will fill your heart and that He will bring unexpected blessing as you faithfully trust in Him. I know it isn't easy.
This is such an encouragement to me. I am struggling to have faith in the midst of trying circumstances. I needed this reminder to keep faith.
ReplyDeleteOh Chelsey... This post was stunning. Your straight-forward honesty about faith is really powerful. Your insight that our faith cannot be dependent on favorable outcomes is really challenging, especially in light of your family's story! You have offered a powerful testimony here. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely Chelsey, and so much harder than it sounds. You are brave and wise. :)
ReplyDeleteVery insightful. I think we all need to remember that even though our God is big enough to change our circumstances sometimes he doesn't, and it's those times that our faith is allowed to shine and reflect on Him. Thank you for sharing your amazing faith, you have been a blessing to me since we met. Your family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes, Chels. God had me in the same passage just last week. Seeing your faith in the midst of what you're going through is such an encouragement to me when I feel like there doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel in mine. Hugs, prayers and love to you my friend!!
ReplyDelete--Kim U.
Good for you for having that perspective and attitude & faith about this. And for being open to posting about it. I think you are right. I think we are given difficult situations to strengthen and exercise our faith. Sometimes the circumstances last longer than we want or are permanent (nothing to do with whether you or others have faith or not). I'm sorry you are having to deal with this trial, but I am glad that you can see it from this perspective. I'm sure those prayers are going toward you and helping you as you manage through your difficult situation. *hugs*
ReplyDelete~Heather (from Raising Memories)
Your outlook is definitely of positive mindset is one we all could hope to follow. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks all....
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