Yesterday morning broke bright and sunny. The air was crisp, yet there was a touch of spring in the air. Unfortunately, by afternoon the skies had clouded over, blocking the sun, and turning our valley a depressing gray. This morning we woke to snow.
On days like today, when the sun is hidden by clouds, do we lose faith it will show itself again? When it sets at the end of the day, do we doubt it will ever rise? In the darkness of night due we question the sun’s existence? Of course not!
Why then, when the troubles of life obscure our view, do we lose faith in God? Why, when the sun seems to have set on all our hopes and dreams, do we question if He cares? Why, when we stumble in the dark, do we doubt He exists?
Hebrews 10:38 says, “Now the just shall live by faith.”
True faith is not affected by circumstances, for “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1).
Even the great heroes of faith described in Hebrews 11 “died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them…Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (v. 13, 16)
Saving faith continues to believe even when troubles come, all seems hopeless, and God seems to have taken a vacation. Faith is a choice! That is why Job could say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15).
Even if we do not receive the fulfillment of God’s promises in this life, even if we rest in the grave, even if we spend our days wandering “in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth” (v. 38), we will choose to trust Him, for we are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (v. 13). We know our God is faithful. His promises are true and even if they are not fulfilled on this earth, we shall receive them in “a better, that is, a heavenly country.” (v. 16)
Today may be dark and dreary, but just as I know the sun will reappear, I also know that, even in the winter of my life, “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” (Malachi 4:2). Until then I will “…walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthinans 5:7), trusting God to show me the way.
Won’t you walk with me today?