This morning I read the following quote by Michele Cushatt:
The journey of faith seldom follows predictable steps.
Ain’t that the truth?
Instead, faith bids us step into illogical and often unreasonable places. I’ve lost count of the times I have irreverently sighed to my heavenly Father, “Surely, You cannot be serious.”
But He was.
And He is.
Even when calling me to move beyond my finite strength, stretching me to bend just a little further than comfortable and do the nonsensical with the assurance that it makes perfect sense to Him.
When Jesus bids us to take unpredictable steps of faith, He does so with the promise of His constant presence. And that is why His disciples follow Him into the unknown, even when it is uncomfortable or downright terrifying. We move forward on this journey of faith with the assurance of things hoped for and the compelled persuasion of unseen goodness in store for us.
All because we trust our Savior.
Like a parent with an incredible surprise prepared for his child, Father invites us to close our eyes and allow Him to lead us. He covers our eyes with His large and capable hands, navigating us around obstacles until we reach the desired destination to find a priceless treasure placed there specifically with us in mind.
Be aware those precious oases of hidden treasures are often tucked smack dab in the center of a battlefield. Or in a cave amid a hurricane of staggering proportions. Or in the stern of a boat recklessly tossed by unrelenting waves.
But when Jesus is in charge of the treasures of faith, all is well – even when all appears wrong.
His presence is what makes our faith safe despite its unpredictability.
So take heart, beloved.
You have not been abandoned but chosen.
Handpicked for better things — things requiring trust in the One who has proven Himself trustworthy in the most marvelous ways.
Yes, faith is unpredictable. But necessary to erect beauty where all was once barren and broken. And perhaps that is all you see at the moment — nothing but desolation or destruction. Maybe you find yourself pummeled in the middle of a whirlwind that just will not let up. Or you are weary of fighting a drawn-out battle that has raged for years.
To trust Father is a fearful thing, but I encourage you to do so with a compelled persuasion that your hope is not misplaced, even in this place.
Here — when the challenge seems mammoth compared to your mustard-seed-sized trust.
Here — when all is chaos and storm clouds.
Here — when you wonder if you have what it takes to take one more step.
Here — where hope is assured because your Savior is with you.
Wherever you are, today is an invitation to follow Jesus. The RSVP is yours to do with as you will.
I hope you go.
No matter how unpredictable the journey.
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Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the compelled persuasion of things not being seen. — Hebrews 11:1