Read Hebrews 11:1-16 and 11:32-39
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
The humorous sentiment in this cartoon is all too true. My faith is stronger when life is certain. It is so much easier. It is easy to pray for things that are not life and death. Like my new car last year. I prayed that a deal would come along that we could afford and eventually it did. Praise God, we had a new car. But when the issue is life or death, the outcome is colossal and it is unfathomable to wait for an answer. That is when walking on water seems impossible.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philipians 4.6-7
Prayer changes things. I know it to be true because I have witnessed it in small things and in modern day miracles. It can move mountains; God can move mountains, yet when I don’t see the mountain move, I am consumed with sadness and doubt. Why didn’t He hear? Why didn’t He answer?
"Pray for one another, that you may be healed."
James 5:16b
I have a dear friend who is walking through a valley filled with shadows of fear for her child. My prayers barely cease for her because I am so consumed with anxiety about her situation. I found myself on my knees while taking a shower yesterday, begging God to perform the miracle that I know He is capable of doing. As I pleaded with a God I cannot see, two little girls pounded on the door to the bathroom. “Let us in!” They cried. “We want in!” Their request interrupted my more important mission, yet what they wanted was simple and persistent. I did not give them what they wanted because of a circumstance they couldn’t possibly understand.
"But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly."
Matthew 6:6
Having children teaches me about God’s love in a way nothing else could. I want good things for my children and giving them good gifts is the highlight of my day, especially when their actions are obedient. It can be beautiful and perfect and I know that is what God desires for us. So I keep praying. I keep praying for my friend and her immediate, dire request. And I keep praying for my faith to be increased so that walking on water isn’t such a terrifying leap of faith.
"'Have faith in God,' Jesus answered. 'I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours'."
Mark 11:22-25
"For with God nothing will be impossible."
Luke 1:37
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