When Faith Seems Elusive

Is anyone free from adversity? No matter how blessed our lives may be, we all face struggles at some point. If that’s a given, then maybe the question is really how do we handle those trials?

That’s where faith comes in.

But sometimes when we’re discouraged or feeling defeated, our faith is not only weak, we can’t find at. We may even believe that God has abandoned us.

Do you remember the Bible story about David and Goliath? When David stood to fight the giant, he said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37 NIV).

Recalling what God has done for us in the past can help renew our faith and trust that he will do the same in the present.

During a very difficult time in my life I wondered if things would ever feel normal again. Every day took a measure of strength to keep going.

Then, after a long and dreary winter, I took a walk outside. Tulips, daffodils, and crocus were blooming at every turn. I strolled with a lighter step than I had in months. I breathed in fresh air, tilted my face to the warm sun, and listened to the birds sing. I suddenly realized that spring had not only arrived in my neighborhood, it had also come to my heart and soul.

Life was going to be good again—life was good again. God had brought me through.

Now when I deal with hard times, I put myself back in that place and remember those colors, smells, and sounds, and I remind myself of what God has done in my life. It gives me faith that he can and will do it again.

When finances become a strain, I remember how God has always provided.

When I worry about stepping into unfamiliar territory, I trust that God will relieve my fears and provide me with what I need to be successful.

Does faith seem elusive? Are concerns weighing you down? Does it feel like God is nowhere to be found?

Allow past blessings and victories to help you embrace faith for the present and the future.

Dawn

Willing to Lay Down Your Life?

What comes to mind when you read …

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:12-13 NIV).

With Easter approaching, maybe you think of Jesus dying on the cross so we might live with him and our heavenly Father for all eternity.

Maybe you think of heroes—soldiers who have fallen in battle or those who have risked their lives while protecting school children during a shooter’s rampage.

Surely they’ve given the ultimate sacrifice …

But perhaps laying down our lives doesn’t necessarily mean being willing to take a bullet for someone. I believe it also encompasses putting someone else’s needs, wants, and desires ahead of our own. Being unselfish in acts that honor and serve others while not becoming a slave or losing ourselves in unhealthy ways.

I always have a number of things I want to accomplish each day. So for me, laying down my life sometimes means putting my “to-do” list aside when my husband needs time with me, a daughter calls and wants to talk, a friend invites me to meet for lunch, or someone needs my help or a shoulder to cry on. Tasks get put off for another time—sometimes even days later.

What does “laying down your life” mean for you?

Dawn

Spring is in the Air

Have you ever felt an itch to move furniture, remodel a space, or even just freshen up a room? When spring arrives, it often brings with it an urge to make changes. I know I’m not alone in those feelings. What have you recently wanted to redo?

As for me, after taking some time away from Blogger, I’ve returned with an updated site, renewed energy, and fresh inspiration. I hope you’ll join me here in sharing thoughts on faith, hope, and love …

 Dawn