believing god
this winter has been long, the coldness of the east and the clouds of what often feels like the second-rainiest town in the country making some days feel longer than 24 hours. my heart has been stretched, and not everything i’ve prayed for has happened. so how does a heart that often feels weary keep building faith, and courage? how does a heart guard against the lies that unanswered prayers bring shame?
sitting by the fireplace sparks last night, i unknowingly stumbled into these words, which were perfectly timed:
“knowing the truth always sets us free (john 8:32). knowing the truth about God, his unceasing ability to perform miracles and the truth about the undeniable role of suffering under the new covenant only frees me up to believe Him more. Why? because i’m freed from what scares me, and many of you, most about getting out there and believing God. we’re scared half to death that He won’t come through for us, dignify us with a yes, and prove faithful. or that we’ll prove to be failures at having enough belief for Him to bless with a miracle. if i’m convinced that God really loves me and has certain priorities for me that may take precedence at times, then i am “safe” to walk by faith. i am freed to know that my God is huge and my God is able and that if i’ll cooperate, i’ll get something bigger. i’m going to believe Him to do anything His Word says He can do, then if he chooses not to, i don’t have to assume he doesn’t like me, he doesn’t answer my prayers like He does others, he hardly knows i’m alive, he can’t do it, he’s never willing to do it, i didn’t have enough faith, i wavered for a split second, i have that sin in my past, i’m a failure, i’ve made a fool of myself.
instead, i get to know that a greater yes is in progress, and i can count on the bigger miracle.
beloved, we are safe in God. we are safe to believe Him for miracles……we are safe with God because we are his priority.”
beth moore, believing god.
Ariena Jensen
November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am
Oh, my goodness, yes. Thank you for this bit of encouragement today. I need it, all the time.
What a perfect answer for those who continually say, "I just don’t know how you do it…"
Jordan
November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am
I found this today when I needed it most. Thank you for sharing. Thankful for a God whose love covers my fears.
Ariena Jensen
November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am
Oh, my goodness, yes. Thank you for this bit of encouragement today. I need it, all the time.
What a perfect answer for those who continually say, "I just don’t know how you do it…"
Jordan
November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am
I found this today when I needed it most. Thank you for sharing. Thankful for a God whose love covers my fears.
Becky Miller Jacobsen
March 24, 2014 at 10:27 pm
Ian and Larissa,
Prayers for continued faith. I love to hear your progress. God Bless.
Kelly
March 24, 2014 at 10:34 pm
I, too, heard the same answer, today! Unanswered prayer doesn’t always mean I’ve done anything wrong or misunderstood God speaking to me. Something better is coming and I will not be disappointed! 🙂 Your faith and hope inspires me. Blessings to you both!
Tina
March 25, 2014 at 6:30 pm
great new page, lovely post as always, I hope to be able to read your book in Germany (not sure about shipping but think it’s possible via amazon or whatever ..) but redirection from your old page does not work .. at least not for me, had to type your new address to see this wonderful page! take care. will read more later 🙂 greetings from Europe, Tina
Kristy Beckendorf
March 27, 2014 at 2:39 am
Thank you for this reminder…. Love the new blog too!
cynthia C.
March 27, 2014 at 8:52 pm
I really needed to hear this today. Thank you for always being real.
Janet belden
May 5, 2014 at 2:32 pm
I love this. My husband of 26 years who just turned 50 had a massive stroke in mid January after elective neurosurgery. He developed a blood clot which then resulted in a massive brain bleed. We have been in the hospital since then and haven’t gotten to acute rehab yet. I will continue to read your blog and can’t wait to read your book. This is God s story in us…as well as our three kids. Lots of pain and fear and doubts….but many days of hope and blessing. You can read about my husband on our caring bridge under Doug belden. Would love to connect with you. Thank you for ministering to someone like me who is also on this unknown walk.