Living by Faith

2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.   ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (NIV)

I think that each of you who are reading this blog recognizes that we are living in some challenging and difficult times. The headlines of the various news media outlets keeps this before us on a moment by moment basis. Many of us are even able to receive "breaking news" alerts on our cell phone or tablet. This helps us stay up to date with the current tragedy or situation that our society is facing. This service is promoted as helpful and in some cases I am sure that this perception would be true. But it does not change the fact that we are facing challenges that are beyond our ability to solve or correct them.

I read these words a few weeks ago and they spoke to my heart. "Faith is not denying reality. It’s not pretending you don’t have a problem. Faith is not saying, “I’m not in pain” when you are. The pain that I am referencing could be emotional, physical or even financial.  It’s not saying, “I don’t hurt” when you do.   It’s not saying, “I’m happy” when you’re really grieving inside.  That’s not faith; it’s trying to put on an attitude that portrays phoniness and denial. Living in denial does not necessarily mean that you possess faith. Faith is facing the facts without being disheartened by them because you know God is greater than the problem."

The challenging moments of life have a way to crowd in around us and very often these moments are accompanied by discouragement. It is at those times that we must follow the Spirit's advice that the Apostle Paul shared with us in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 

We can praise God for His presence even during those moments of severe and difficult trials!!