There’s a life that looks real. And pretty and safe. On paper. On screen.
And then there’s real life. The life that is behind all that. The one that has character and flaws and wonders. The one that’s still there.
It’s courageous to be real with people about your weaknesses. To see yourself exposed and walk in that feeling and to keep moving your feet. To keep your head up and your heart open. Because living by faith doesn’t mean every door opens or every person agrees. It can mean trusting God during periods of silence. Or seeking Him regardless of a culture that teaches He doesn’t matter.
To get rejected but keep trying.
To believe in Jesus when others laugh.
To feels so overwhelmed that you break.
To have made mighty mistakes but move on with integrity and hope.
Because living by faith means many things. It can mean feeling the burn of embarrassment on your cheeks while walking away from a fight. It can mean feeling confused and admitting it, relying on God to reveal truth and straighten paths in His time.
Feeling successful some weeks and like a shipwreck others.
And feeling just a little afraid that others will shake their heads silently and judge…
And right there is the fight. The battle of living by faith.
The battle we all know; the one that tells you to stay down. But you hear a voice whispering in your ear, “Get up and walk.”
You know it’s the right voice, but nothing in this world justifies it. You may lose if you get up and walk.
But you choose to do it. You decide at that moment to live. To rise to the occasion, to use the breath God put in your lungs to continue.
And suddenly you realize that being full of yourself isn’t really you at all. And you turn your head. Turn your eyes.
You ask the Lord.
More of you, Lord. Please. More of you.
And that’s when it all changes. Because suddenly you realize there’s much to do. There’s much to be in Him.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Because when we decide to live in faith things get messy. And beautiful.
And finally we know what it means to have beauty from ashes. Suddenly we realize that all the messed up crazy that was our past and at times can be our present is redeemed and bled for and paid for.
Thank you Lord Jesus.
This time is too short. Let us live, really live, for you.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
Oh my sweet friend – how I needed to hear this today!! Love you!!
I love you too Steph!
Thank you..
I was actually looking at another post, but you had a note at the top directing readers to this article.… and I thought, “That title sounds very fitting to what I’m seeking the Father for… no way that’s a coincidence ”
So I clicked the link, and sure enough, what you may have been aggravated by (having to redirect readers to the intended article) was actually part of a Godversation going on between my heart and the Father’s heart.…and now your heart!!!!
God records those conversations ( I call them Godversations )
Malachi 3:16-18
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
(AMPC)
16 Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.
17 And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.
I was actually looking at another post, but you had a note at the top directing readers to this article.… and I thought, “That title sounds very fitting to what I’m seeking the Father for… no way that’s a coincidence ”
So I clicked the link, and sure enough, what you may have been aggravated by (having to redirect readers to the intended article) was actually part of a Godversation going on between my heart and the Father’s heart.…and now your heart!!!!
Malachi 3:16-18
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
(AMPC)
16 Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name.
17 And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.
Thank you !!!
Me too!!! Thank you !
I have a friend that turns to alcohol and still wants to seek God. It just doesn’t work. He is stressed because of work and raising two girls which comprises his health. Ugh! Makes me sad. He then tends to pick a fight and blame .
No fun.
Do I walk away.
I heart desires is for him to walk w the Lord with me.
Great post Jen! Thanks for the encouragement.
It’s the battle we all face. Thank God for his Word 🙂
Great message, and thanks for the reminder!
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by Hua!
Honestly to say I’ve been going through it, when I see things like this surprisingly appear on my inbox I take it as messages from God, and this was definitely encouraging and uplifting to my soul.
God bless you Evelin. Keep fighting the good fight. We have all we need in Him.
God knows just what we need and when. Very encouraged by this. I’m in the midst of a shipwreck and waiting.
Thank you for writing and thank you Lord for giving her the Word.
The waiting periods are so hard. Praying the Lord sends you all the encouragement and reinforcement you need until the tide changes.
Thank you. I needed this uplifting message feel like giving up sometimes.
I think that’s probably all of us at times Eunice. Those momentary thoughts flash before us to just give up and go it alone, and yet when we’ve been down that road before we know that’s not the way. Hang in there sister and keep fighting the good fight… God knows your heart, He sees the quiet battles of the heart and mind.
This is so great Jen! I can totally relate to the challenge, as all of my brothers and sisters in Christ can, I’m sure. How many times have I pleaded with God “but I don’t want to!” in terms of acting more like Jesus than the short tempered, dramatic human that I am? I am so grateful for his patience and grace, because I fail often. It’s a difficult journey to navigate but beyond rewarding!
On another note, how glad am I to have met you and had the opportunity to spend time in conversation with you. You are one of those people who immediately I felt as if I’d known for many years and I am determined we remain in touch with one another! Your personality is intoxicating my friend!
Noel! Woo hoo! Hey sister! It was great to meet you too, and I feel the same way. I’m so looking forward to following your journey and pray we meet again in the near future. What a breath of fresh air you are!
And yes, our Christian life… we all have the same Spirit through different trials. We just have to keep choosing Him. Big hug!
Came across the gossiping topic one day and had to come back on faith. I agree with everything said and thank you for allowing God to use you to be a light and encourage others in the Lord.
This is so encouraging while I am in the midst of a ship wreck. Financially I am struggling, my marriage is almost broken because the salary that I earn cant supply me with basic needs to feed the family. As a result my spiritual life is very much affected, It seems the devil is after my life and marriage like nothing. However your word has just come at a right time. One thing that I am sure of is that I will one day rise and shine for the lord. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.