Got Faith?

“…my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back my soul has no pleasure in him.”  Habakkuk 2:3-4

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…And without faith it is impossible to please God, for we must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:1,6

Dear friends,

Be honest.  If you’ve been heavy most of your life, do you believe you can ever be healthy and slim?  Can you envision yourself riding a bicycle or hiking or playing actively with your kids or grandkids?  You can’t imagine it?  Well honey, please sit with me a spell and I’ll fetch us a cup o’ tea.  I’d like to chat with you awhile…

Don’t you just love that Good Earth cinnamon tea?  It sure tastes decadent.  And to think it’s not only sugar-free but caffeine free too!

So now sister, let’s talk a bit about faith, shall we?  Whoever wrote the book of Hebrews surely got down to business in the 11th chapter.  He described the Old Testament A-Team and said, “Folks, this is what faith looks like!”

Did you know Brother Noah had never seen rain?  Imagine the conversation with God:

“Good morning, Noah!  How’s the family?  Didn’t you just have a birthday?  Well congratulations.  You sure look good for a guy pushing 600!  Now Noah, I’m about to do a work and I need your help.  I have this weather trick I’ve never shown you called rain where I make water droplets fall from the sky.  I know, it sounds a bit Hollywood but it’s true.  There’s a region on the other side of the planet where it rains often.  Oh, we haven’t yet discussed the fact the world is round.  Another time….   Anyway, I’m going to pour down a LOT of water.  Imagine that stream turning into a river and rising above the trees.   So I need you to build a boat - it’s sort of a house but it will float when the water rises - and you and your family will be saved from drowning.”

Noah:  “But Father, what about all my countrymen?  They must be saved also.”

God:  “Dear Noah, your people have angered me.  They have ignored my commands and are living frivolously.”

Anyway, you know the story.  Though Noah had never even seen rain, in obedience and in faith he built a boat.  He believed something seemingly preposterous because God promised.

Then there was Sister Sarah.  Which would be easier to believe?  That you can lose 50 pounds or you’ll be with child on your 90th birthday?  See?  Makes weight loss seem feasible, doesn’t it?  And what about those three nice young men who trusted their Father to protect them even if they were thrown into a furnace?  Which step of faith do you prefer?  Fire or fitness?

The point is, sweet sisters, God has called us to trust Him.  Hebrews says “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things NOT YET SEEN!”  (Hebrews 11:1)   Do you believe God wants you to defeat this stronghold of ill-health?  Do you believe He is at His best when you are at your worst?  If Daniel was willing to deny worshipping Baal knowing he would be thrown into the lion’s den, will you be willing to deny - turn from - walk away from unhelpful foods, knowing when you do you’ll dance in victory!?  Satan, like a devouring lion, has been tamed!  Glory girls!!  It is a privilege to walk in faith!!  Your weight loss journey isn’t a drudgery - a burden - it’s a glorious Faith Walk!  Faith is the assurance of future health and well-being, the conviction that you will reach your weight, fitness and activity aspirations one step of obedience at a time - one meal at a time - one walk at a time.

So how’s that sweet tea, sister?  The teapot is still hot if you’d like more water.  I’m so glad you were willing to stay and visit awhile.

But before you leave I’d be remiss if I cut short the divine wisdom in Hebrews.  Verse six knocks us to our knees, literally:  “…And without faith it is impossible to please God, for we must believe that He exists, and that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Do you believe that God exists, dear one?  Do you believe He wants to help you with this burden?  Can you trust His Holy Spirit in you to be strong when you are weak?  Can you think of other sisters who would love to do this Faith Walk with you?  Because as Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says:  “9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Oh sister, your Father sure does love you.  And when you surrender your life into His loving hands, miracles will happen.

Live Well,

Miss Grace