A Glory Seed Devotional
The Struggle of Faith…

The Psalmist gives us real words for real people going through real difficulties, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalms 43:5 ESV)

Right now this very minute as you read these words someone (perhaps even you) has a troubled soul. No one, absolutely NO ONE is immune to the terrible aloneness of walking through the valley of the shadow of death. They (you) don’t even have to be facing the Grim Reaper to experience the struggle of faith.

Perhaps you’ve never thought of the struggle of faith. Perhaps you’ve somehow gotten the idea that the struggle of faith is reserved only for those whose faith is weak. Perhaps you’ve forgotten or overlooked this, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matthew 27:46 ESV, emphasis mine)

I believe one of the reasons Matthew did not omit this from his gospel was to illustrate that NO ONE not even Jesus is immune to the terrible aloneness of walking through the valley of the shadow of death. I don’t know about you but if Jesus experienced the struggle of faith you should leave your hand off the “ignore button” when you find yourself there as well!

Not only did the Psalmist admit his “victory of Goliath rock solid faith” soul was troubled he also stood on his hope and belief that God would eventually lead him into the Light. Jesus asked why God had forsaken him yet even though God remained silent Jesus was not forsaken. The Psalmist prayed, and God rewarded his hope and belief. Jesus prayed, and three days later Jesus walked out of a tomb.

It is easy for me to tell you not to worry when the struggles of faith seek and find you. It is easy for me to tell you the Psalmist, Jesus offer you evidence that you are not alone. It is easy for Peter to remind you not to be surprised when trials trouble you soul. While it may be easy to say or write the words, it was not very easy for David, Jesus, Peter, or me when we are where you are right now.

A struggling faith does not go below your base line, a struggling faith moves your baseline upward. A struggling faith is a strengthening faith moving at the pulse of God.

Grace and PEACE!
Gary

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“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46 ESV)

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Scripture quotations marked ESV "Are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."