And… you are UP in the air top of the teeter-totter, your faith is strong and you feel a strong connection to God.
It take faith to pray.
It takes faith to serve
It takes faith to embrace a kingdom view of the world
It takes faith to put others first
It takes faith to make sacrifices
Without faith its impossible to please God. Why? Because faith is necessary for us to live as children of God.
James 1:5-7 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
And… you are DOWN in the midst of a storm and you are feeling unsure about everything including faith.
John 20-24-29 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
And… you are UP again having gained momentum in your faith, you feel energized and strong – faithful.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
And … you are DOWN again, just not sure of anything at all because of the trials you’ve been facing.
Matthew 14:28-31 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
All the ups and downs, you are sitting on that teeter-totter going nowhere but up and down. Time to climb off and believe, have faith, don’t doubt what you know. Keep remembering all that God has done, what Jesus did on the cross. Put those doubts behind you.
Mark 9:21-24 Jesus asked the boy’s father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Keep the faith, keep believing, if you doubt call a trusted friend. Read your Bible, listen to some great music. Find ways to renew.
Dear Heavenly Father - Thank You for ups and downs so we may learn the valuable lesson of not doubting, staying ever faithful. Amen