Author, Dianne Barker
Dianne Barker here with encouragement for your journey. Discouragement is a persistent enemy. That’s why I love offering others a sip of nourishment as they travel Perseverance Road.
For most of us, hearing from God isn’t the problem. Our problem is continuing to believe God.
We clearly heard his voice and gladly followed him. And then…the straight path grew narrow and tangled. Exhaustion turned our feet to lead and doubt set up camp.
Lord, is this the road you chose? Did I miss a signpost?
The Israelites struggled to trust the Lord during their long journey to the land of promise.
Giving instruction through Moses and Joshua, the Lord often said, “When you come into the land…” He never said “if.” He had made a covenant and it was a done deal.
Two things amazed Jesus—faith and lack of faith. A centurion heard about Jesus and sent a delegation asking him to come and heal his servant, who was near death.
“He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: ‘Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed…”
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’ Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well” (see Luke 7:1-10).
Jesus had a different response when he went to his hometown and began teaching in the synagogue. People began asking questions. “‘Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Only in his hometown is a prophet without honor.’ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith” (see Mark 6:1-6).
The Lord still speaks. When he gives a promise, it’s a done deal. Doubt says “if.” Faith says “when.”
That’s amazing faith!
Come along, friend. You’ve traveled too far to turn back now…just a few more steps on Perseverance Road. You won’t believe what the Lord has waiting for you. Who knows? He may be saying to the angels this very minute, “I’ve never seen such faith!”
(Adapted from Cabbages and Kings–Reflections on Living Abundantly in Christ, Scriptures from NIV.)
