Faith like... a Roller Coaster??

There are many examples in the Bible of men and women who have believed God for -and received seemingly impossible things. When I want to read about someone with extraordinary faith, I of course think of Abraham first.


Romans 4:18-22
 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken...yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

In the process of faith, believing God for various things He has promised, I sometimes get on what I call the "Roller Coaster Of Faith". It goes something like this:


I start out strong in what the Lord has said, having all my scriptures to stand on. I am confident and sure! Then the waiting gets long...still standing.... and the waiting gets longER . At this point there is still no evidence of a promise fulfilled... My faith is now wavering and I am wandering in the wilderness of UN-belief.
                                                       WHERE is the evidence of MY faith ?


Wanting desperately to take control and figure out a way I can make it happen on my own, I am exhausted in my own fruitless efforts, and I am reminded again that I am NOT in control. So, I swing myself back to the place where my hope and faith are on the Lord and His promises - reminding myself of His faithfulness.  

Have you ever experienced this type of roller coaster? Well, you are not alone... so did ABRAHAM! 

Yes, it says he did not waver in unbelief, but it also says he grew in faith. He had to start somewhere. Let's recall Genesis 16, where Abraham grew tired of waiting on God to bring his heir. He took Sarah's maid Hagar and created his first born son Ishmael. He actually made quite a mess of things and could have been lost in despair. Instead he GREW in faith, being able to see God's promise come to pass in his life!

I just love that it was not his mess that was recorded in the New Testament. It was his faith. I believe God sees beyond our weakness and celebrates our strengths turning them to victories.

The point is, if you've gone through the ups and downs of faith like me, DON'T despair. GROW in faith. We have the potential to believe God as Abraham did and experience God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. 

Be determined to head back up the hill to the mountain top and ask God to give you vision, to see things like HE does! 

I love this song from Jesus Culture that prays this very prayer - "God I look to You, You're where my help comes from. Give me vision, to see things like you do... "


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4iU4Uw5azY