So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!”
Psalm 3:2 NLT
Faith in God has always been a personal choice. Assurance is a matter of applied conviction. I lean on a promise that I can know within my heart and subjectively experience, yet cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt. My testimony, drawing upon scripture and the tradition of the Church, cannot establish that no other logical explanation can be derived from the facts I present. After all, faith is and will always remain “the reality of what we hope for…the evidence of things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1, NLT).
So maintaining faith throughout life with its many twists and turns is a challenge. Many fall by the wayside, the realities of life overwhelming Christian conviction. I’ve battled this myself, but have never been able to deny my very clear conversion experience. Others hedge their bets, making a compromise with worldly wisdom as expressed by the majority of society, and a clear Christian confession. Yet, Christian confession, detached from effective lived Christian practice, runs the risk of conforming with this present culture. The Christian path is always indistinct and each of us has to pioneer a walk of faith encouraged and guided by prayer, God’s word and fellowship with fellow believers.
As I enter my so-called ‘third age’, I am forced to face up to the consequences of decisions I have taken based upon my Christian faith. I’ve enjoyed much of my life, I’ve known real battles both practically and in my Christian convictions. I have failed in many things and I know I am fractured. Yet, I refuse to be condemned by the difference I observe between where my lifestyle choices have brought me compared with many of my age who surround me.
To date I can confirm that God has never failed nor forsaken me (see Hebrews 13:5). The same is not true of my own walk of faith; I have failed God in my own estimation. But God is always there and forgives in a moment. I was rescued and can rest assured I remain in the hands of my rescuer, Jesus.
QUESTION
Have you faced moments of extreme doubt about God’s reality and his capacity to keep you safe?
PRAYER
I walk by faith in you, dear Lord, today, knowing that tomorrow is in your hands.
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