What is seen by your life... attitude... actions? Faith or unbelief? Faith can be seen as well as unbelief. By definition, FAITH is "complete trust or confidence in someone or something." UNBELIEF is "lack/absence) of faith in something." Sometimes you may find yourself with all the faith in the world when things are going well or when you are so desperate for a breakthrough that your only option is to believe in the impossible. Other times, you are so caught up in fear and frustration that all that you portray (live and breathe) is unbelief, doubting that things will ever get better. Which is better for your sanity and well-being? Faith or unbelief? I'll venture to say that faith is the only option because that helps you remain sane and moving forward.
The presence of faith, daily, causes you to wake up with a peace that surpasses all understanding... beyond comprehension. With faith, you can get up with inner joy that you will make it through no matter what is stacked up against you. In faith, you walk with confidence that you are able to succeed and follow through... and overcome the obstacles. There's no timing with faith... faith should be exercised every single day... a new dose of faith each morning. Yesterday's faith won't get you through today. God's word reminds us: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, KJV) With God's mercies being new every morning, you know a daily dose of faith in your heart and mind is well worth it!
This morning I read a verse that challenged my heart and mind: "Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” (Matthew 9:2, NKJV) 'When faith is seen by God, prayer is granted.' 'The faith of the paralytic and those that brought him' was seen by Jesus and healing came forth. It's important to walk by faith and in partnership with others that also have faith... doubters will bring you down and never help you achieve your goals.
When you lack faith, it's easier to give up on anything that you start. In the absence of faith, your attitude and emotions affect how you live your life and also the way you treat people... and even how they treat you. What is seen by those around you as you live your life? Faith or unbelief? What do you see in your own life? Faith or unbelief? Granted, we all go through seasons of unshakable faith and then other times of distressing unbelief because of the circumstances we find ourselves in. But... when those moments of doubt comes... how do you get out of that slump? I'm thankful for the still small voice that reminds me that I am loved and that I can and will make it through if I just believe... one more time! Against all odds... just believe.
Remember... when you wake up each day... your attitude influences the course of your day. What attitude do you have when you find yourself "running around like a headless chicken?" i.e. Being very busy doing a lot of things, but in a way that is not very effective. Lately, I've had to catch myself and remind myself that I need to just STOP and be still. When you feel overwhelmed, it's easy to fall prey to unbelief... thoughts of doubt can overshadow everything you have hoped for. When you take a step back and breathe... and go back to basics of faith, things become clearer and you refocus. What is seen is more pleasant because it overflows in everything you do. Therefore, go forth in FAITH!!!
