of faith and courage...

 

Faith...

 

The Substance of things hoped for...

 

Things hoped for, but not yet seen... with the eye.

 

Seen though, with the heart.

 

They are known with the heart... the spirit feels them... claims them.

 

Even though they are still hidden...

 

This kind of faith... the kind of faith that holds out its hand in the dark?

 

It takes courage.

 

A great deal of courage.

 

And the precious things hoped for...

 

For aren't they always so infinitely precious...?

 

Those that we cup with gentle hands... and bring before Him... almost too afraid to place them at His feet...

 

For fear of disappointment.

 

For fear.

He understands...

He knows.

 

Those fragile needs...?

 

It doesn't matter what they are... really.

 

Only one question begs answering...

 

"Do you believe what Jesus said...  Do you believe what He said in His Word...?

 

The answer to this question... a question which will be flung at you every second of the day...

 

This answer?

 

It is crucial.

 

For it determines the outcome of the battle...

 

 And do not be mistaken... where this kind of faith is required... there is always a battle.

 

Always.

 

It rages in your heart... it rages in your mind.

 

It rages all around you.

 

Unseen.

 

But there.

 

No matter what the situation.

 

The challenge remains the same...

 

Do you believe what He says is true... even today?

 

Will you trust Him regardless...?

 

It takes faith.

 

Faith... which requires great courage.

 

Stand up... Hold your head up high.

 

Tuck the words of Your King deep in your heart.

 

And keep on walking...

 

Thanking Him for it every day... for it is done.

 

Present tense.

 

Unseen...

 

But done.

 

 

 

 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see..."

 

Hebrews 11 v 1

NIV

xx gracegirl
 

 

what my heart needs reminding of...

 

He will feed His flock like a shepherd.

He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart.

He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young...

 

Isaiah 40 v 11

(NIV)

Emphasis mine

 

 

 

 

Every now and then, when fear and lies and distraction and well-meant opinions and
not-so-well-meant condemnations...

When these come scratching at the door of my heart...

Hissing and smirking at my insecurities...

Whispering their untruths to my fearful heart...

 

Then I need reminding, Jesus...

My heart... my spirit... my mind.

I need Your words...

 

Your truth.

 

To cut through the black.

 

To bring the Light.

 

That You...

The One who loved me first...

That You see my mothers-heart and know the lies that threaten.
That You know the failings I fear.

That before time for us came to be...

 You knew every step... every battle... every victory that was to come...

 

For me.

A Mother.

 

And for him.

Entrusted.

  The one whom You formed in my belly.

The one whose little heart beat with mine.

The one who shares the very fabric of my being.

 

And that even then... all those centuries ago...even then.

You knew...

That there would come a time that I would need Your promise...

You knew the heart of this Mother would need reminding...

That You will not let go.

Of a Mother who trusts...

You.
 

That You will feed.

The one she trusts You with.

That You will... 

Carry.

Gently lead... me.

Me...
 

And the one you blessed me with.

 

Always.


 

xx gracegirl