Faith Sustains….

I’ve recently had two conversations with people whose faith seems unfocused or misdirected. In one of the conversations, I emphasized Justice. I told the listener that justice will always be served. They disagreed. I finished that part of the conversation with, “it’s just a matter of time. Justice will always be served”. It was amazing to think that their doubts or unbelief didn’t phase my trust and belief in God’s sovereignty. He is just, and His justice will always be served, because sin will always be punished. God does not allow sin to go unpunished. I’m sure you’re asking, “but what about those that get away with ____________ (full in the blank)”. I’d say look a little deeper into it. Do they sleep good at night? Do they abuse substances that take their minds off of their issues? Do they have peace? And ultimately, are they right with God? People don’t ever think about these things, its justice starting to be served. However, during our lifetime (on earth) God gives us numerous chances to turn around. Justice comes with grace. However, after this life is over, there are no second chances. My other conversation had to do with dealing with being mistreated. My take on this topic is pretty simple: hurting people hurt people. I’m not making excuses for others. What they do does not excuse their accountability. I addressed the fact that God has a better, more effective way of dealing with people than I could ever dream up. Instead of seeking revenge, I pray for them. I give up my right to get even by forgiving. That way, I’m not held captive to their issues. Many times it doesn’t even have to do with me anyway (the mistreatment). Again God is sovereign, so I must trust Him with it. The point to all of this is through those two conversations I saw how my faith, the way I see the world, helps me cope with life. I don’t play the victim. I don’t see the unfairness of life and get depressed. I see God in control, and trust Him to do what He says He will do. I realized my belief is solidified in God so much that it overcomes the inclination to fret over it. I’m not saying I’m invincible, so don’t even go there, I’m just as weak, and fragile, and insecure as all people are (I’m human). I’m just saying that trusting in God, and believing His Word, sets me free from the enslaving thoughts of the unanswerable “whys” of this life. I trust Him, and thus my faith sustains me with the difficult questions of life. It gives me hope; it anchors my soul.

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, 12 “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.He is the One you should fear.He is the One who should make you tremble.14 He will keep you safe. Isaiah 8:11-14a