Faith Arriving at the "T"

Life is a journey. A journey full of winding roads that, at times, abruptly come to a "T". There is no more moving forward; all that's left is a choice. Shall I turn right or shall I turn left?

Sometimes we don't have time to think clearly before deciding which way to turn. We are left to follow our gut feeling, hoping the decision made will provide the best outcome.

Over the past couple weeks, I find myself having arrived at that dreaded "T". There is no road ahead, only road on either side. I must choose. I have to decide. I can't stay idle, or I will for sure run out of gas. But what to do!? Either way provokes a slight sense of fear. I can either turn the wheel to the left and be "______" or I can maneuver to the right and be "_________". Grrr.... Nothing seems too promising in my mind. I realize my inclination to try and bury this dreadful decision, hoping that it may just vanish before my eyes.

Yet, reality is, it lingers. Frustrations arise. Stress reaches a new high. I pace back and forth wondering, just wondering. I feel so constrained. No doors are being opened, but at the same time doors are not necessarily being closed.

Finally, I feel a slap across the face. Reality check numero uno. "Turn to me!!! Let me give you peace. REMEMBER me!" In the midst of my tears, fears, stresses, and messes I forgot to turn to my heavenly father. My mind calms down just enough to hear the holy spirit whisper the softest, but most powerful words, "Trust me." At once, although faint, a sense of peace washes over me. "Trust me."

Although my walk with the Lord has some deep valleys, I have boldly stated that my faith doesn't teeter. I may not be on a mountaintop, feeling on fire for God, but I have never once believed that he is not there or that he does not care. My faith is so strong-I believe!!! I know!!

However, arriving at this "T" took me back a step last night. Even though my faith never died, I realized I was far from depicting a woman of faith. Worry. Fear. Stress. Frustration. + relying on myself for answers did not equate to faith. I was reminded ever so clearly that faith means FIRST and FOREMOST  leaning on God and expressing my fears, frustrations, and worries to him. For I find rest in him and him alone.

You see, I believe I have faith half right, but the other half is a work in the making. True, I never once have doubted my faith in the Lord. I believe that he is real, that he is good, that he is love, that he is peace, that he came for you and for me, and that he cares about every detail of our lives. I got it; 100% got it. I believe! (Step one.) On the other hand, though, faith is action-oriented. To be a person of faith, you must act. To act in faith means to act on what you believe. It's the next step. For me, it would mean to approach a situation resorting to God first because he is a God of peace who is GOOD. Turning to him, because I have faith (believe) that he is in control and wants the best for me, will result in my best interest because God has my best interest at heart. In a nutshell, faith is believing, but beyond believing faith is doing.

So to continue on in my journey of faith, I want to refresh my mind with some verses to remind me of God's faithfulness and his promises:

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." Psalm 23:1-3a

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

I could go on and on, as there are countless verses teaching us about God's faithfulness. However, I will stop here and encourage you to, instead of breaking down and stressing out....

have faith arriving at the "T" in your life.