So Jesus said again to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10.7-11
There was a season when life had been so hard. Loss of how I thought life would be. Overwhelming disappointment with myself for decisions I had made and my part in the eventual circumstances. It was grief fueled mostly with regret and dissolution. I wondered if life would ever be normal again. I finally admitted I didn’t want the old normal which had imploded and left me in my current situation but a normal that was fresh, secure, hopeful. I had clung so closely to what I had, miserable as it was, that it took a long time to recognize that security and hopefulness hadn’t been evident in my life for quite some time, maybe ever. When I submitted my will to God and sought security in Him, He answered! When I called, you answered me, my strength of soul you increased. Psalm 138.3
One day in the Hallmark Store (back when such stores sold only cards, wrapping paper and ribbons – ahhh), I heard a sound I hadn’t heard for such a long time that it was unrecognizable to me. As I continued my search for the best funny birthday card to send to one of my siblings, I heard the sound again and recognition brought tears to my eyes. It was laughter. Out-loud laughter. My laughter. I hadn’t heard my own laughter in months but there it was – the Lord’s reminder that beyond the sorrow and sadness and regret there was the person He wanted me to be – settled in the assurance that all is never lost if the rock bottom of what I know to be true is trusting what God has said.
Last Sunday Pastor Lincoln gave us such purposeful working definitions for doubt and faith … how might prayerfully considering these two definitions change your journey? Even, especially, in this Christmas season?
Doubt is a lack of confidence that God will keep His promises; a settled and persistent choice to live with uncertainty.
Faith is believing the Word of God and acting on it, no matter my circumstances. Because He is faithful and present. Unchanging. Eternal. Wants His best for me.
Life still has hard things. But God …
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10.10
Trusting the Lord with you, Colleen