Faith That Endures in the Midst of the Impossible Cheryl Weber
Life has been difficult for everyone lately. Besides COVID-19, America faces tremendous challenges socially, politically, and spiritually, accompanied by dire warnings about the future from certain segments of the church. My faith has been tested in ways I could never have imagined, and I wonder if it will hold up under the pressure of what else might come.
The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk was distressed by what appeared to be God’s inaction and silence in the face of Israel’s evil and rebellion. But he soon witnessed God’s justice as the armies of Babylon carried those same Israelites into exile.
Doubtless, those pagan armies devastated Israel’s land. Habakkuk’s faith was stretched, perhaps to the breaking point. Yet he declared in chapter 3:17-19 that even though the crops failed, the livestock died, and life was barren of physical blessings, he would still rejoice and find his strength in God his salvation.
American missionary Andrew Brunson, imprisoned in Turkey on false charges for nearly two years beginning in 2016, faced the possibility of three consecutive life sentences in solitary confinement. Hopes of release were repeatedly dashed. Andrew experienced despair to the point of briefly considering suicide. Yet he clung tenaciously to his faith in God and after concentrated efforts by the U.S. government, he was freed.
1 Peter 1:6-7 says that hard times refine our faith like fire refines gold. When our faith has stood the test of many types of trials, we will receive honor and glory from the Lord Jesus when he returns. Faith has its greatest hour when it endures in the face of every reason to give up. I want my life to be an example of that type of trust.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are worthy of my deepest trust and loyalty, even in the midst of life’s most horrific, senseless trials. Help me to have that kind of faith always. Amen
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