Life events may temporarily shake my faith, but they can't destroy it.
Like most people's, my life's been a journey of mountains and valley
experiences. I've enjoyed numerous good things along with pleasurable occasions,
but the good has been sprinkled with challenges. Fortunately, none of the down
times have shaken my faith. Perhaps because I witnessed my parents maintain
their resolve to follow God regardless of the circumstances. Or maybe because
I've seen so many others remain steadfast as well. But I've also known some
whose faith was shaken by unpleasant life events. Some merely questioned God but
kept following him. Others walked away, not able to reconcile their dilemmas
with a good God. Still others meandered somewhere between abandonment and
obedience.
One of Jesus' very own disciples wasn't immune to shaken faith. "We have seen
the Lord!" But he (Thomas) replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail
wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound
in his side." (John 20:24-25 NLT)
Thankfully, God doesn't discard me as unworthy to be his child when my faith is
temporarily shaken. Jesus eventually revealed what Thomas requested. Having
created me and taken on human flesh himself, God understands my weaknesses…how
easy it is for doubts and misgivings to unsettle me. Since faith in the
spiritual excludes the tangible, it's even easier for my faith to be dazed
during turbulent times.
Re-emphasizing my faith in times of senseless tragedies and extreme hardship
makes it stronger than it was previously. I'm able to take this step because I'm
convinced God has my best interests at heart. Satan attempts to kill, steal, and
destroy…not God. He may allow Satan to sift me, but his purpose is to hone my
faith, not shake it. And it won't be when it's firmly planted in Christ.
Are you experiencing shaken faith? Let God's love and promises stabilize your
uncertainty.
Prayer: Father in heaven, when things come that have the potential to shake our
faith in You, remind us of Your love and faithfulness.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
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