5 Truths to Audacious Faith in a Parched Life
All alone, I once more was packing up a house to load a truck and cross the country to go where I was certain that God had commanded I go. Going through all the “stuff” and downsizing. How do we accumulate so much stuff over time? Stuff that seemed so trivial and unnecessary. Trinkets and objects that perhaps once seemed important were now what I was discarding. I sighed with the thought, “How much money wasted that could have been used for something more important?” I was tired of moving while at the same time filled with the anticipation of what God had planned. Though I was wearied by my life’s journey, I had over the years learned that God loved me with an everlasting love, God had a perfect plan for my life, and He was the treasure I sought in what was often a dry and thirsty land. Through all the pains, sorrows, surgeries, and losses of this life; God had been there to guide me. I had loaded the final box. Then the trailer hauling my car was attached behind. Tired and exhausted I went to the empty house to sleep on the floor before leaving the next day. I wasn’t certain what awaited me in Missouri; but, this I knew. God was with me and before me. He had a plan and that was for my good.
original photography courtesy of Jim Peregoy
TENTS IN THE DESERT
Abraham had headed out into a land unknown because God said go. There were times when Abraham got lost along the way. There were times when Abraham’s faith waivered; but, in his heart—he loved God. He believed God. He always returned to the altar where he was willing to place his greatest earthly treasure because he trusted God. His faith had grown wandering in that desert. He had come to learn of God’s faithfulness. More importantly, he had come to realize that the promises of God were still yet to come. God would one day, through the seed of Abraham send down His own greatest treasure to be poured out as a sacrifice that all nations might be blessed. Christ would come; just not in Abraham’s earthly lifetime.
GLIMPSES OF HEAVEN
“9 [Prompted] by faith he dwelt as a temporary resident in the land which was designated in the promise [of God, though he was like a stranger] in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.…15 If they had been thinking with [homesick] remembrance of that country from which they were emigrants, they would have found constant opportunity to return to it.16 But the truth is that they were yearning forand aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11 AMP)
5 TRUTHS TO AUDACIOUS FAITH IN A PARCHED LIFE
1. God is Sovereign, in Control and loves me with an everlasting love. He has a perfect plan for my life and I can trust Him-no matter what I can see ahead.
2. This life, no matter how long, is a blink of an eye compared to eternity where I will be with Him-my Savior and Friend. For that reason, no sorrow or suffering here is too great to endure for the salvation of one soul. What if my trials were the catalyst to another’s salvation?
3. I am but a pilgrim here and this is not my final home. We often are willing to sacrifice and work most of our life for a home and things here on earth which will only fade away into dust one day. How much more should we be willing to sacrifice and work for God who is preparing our eternal heavenly home? Are my eyes fixed on earthly possessions or eternal rewards which I may lay at the feet of my King?
4. Everything that I seek-joy, hope, wonder, and love are found complete in Him. Why would I look for counterfeits that can never satisfy the thirst of my soul?
5. Christ came, suffered and died that I might have life. What can I give Him less than my whole life, poured out for Him?
Faith, Hope, Love, and Joy are mine abounding because I know who is my King. This life leaves me parched at times; yet, He is the fountain of living water so that I might never thirst again.
I would love for you to share your desert stories and how God has shown you through You can COMMENT HERE.
A song for today: Broken and Spilled Out
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
I would love to hear your stories of how God transformed fear into faith in your life and used that for His Glory. You can COMMENT HERE.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.