Day 11 - A Faith That Strengthens
Posted by Jim Carter
“But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32, NASB)
For the last two weeks, our small group has been praying for the Smith family. Stephanie is a student at Davidson Academy and a very accomplished golfer. Her mother, Jo Anne, is a teacher at our Lower School. Three weeks ago, Stephanie’s father, Bobby, had a stroke which has completely taken away his vision. Bobby is very involved in Stephanie’s golf career and doesn’t miss a match, tournament, or practice session. Monday was my first opportunity to be with Bobby since the stroke. Our golf team was in a tournament, and Bobby was there. He sat in a cart with Jo Anne and followed every shot Stephanie hit by listening to the sound of the club hitting the ball and Jo Anne’s instructions. My first thought was how sad that was, but then I realized that was simply my perception of what I was physically seeing. In reality, it was incredibly uplifting and inspiring to watch Bobby put his complete faith and trust in Jo Anne to lead him around on foot, to drive him around in the cart, and to inform him of what his daughter was doing. It made me realize - that should be our daily relationship with God. Lead us around, drive us around, inform us of what we should do. As Bobby’s spiritual faith is currently tested, it is my hope and prayer that he is putting all his faith and trust in God, and his faith is not wavering. For he has provided a reaffirming example to me to challenge my spiritual faith by the way he is physically handling his trials.
PRAYER: “Lord, help us to understand that we have nothing without You in the center of our lives. Let us use the examples that we are surrounded by each and every day to challenge us to take Your hand and let You lead us where You see fit. Give us the strength and wisdom to never waver from that belief. In Your Son’s blessed name we pray, Amen.”
POINT TO PONDER: Who has strengthened your faith recently? Have you strengthened someone’s faith recently?
August 17th, 2007 at 8:02 am
A horrible turn of events in life can turn a heart against God or make faith deeper and stronger. It’s all in how we respond. We can stay angry at God and demand to know “Why me?” Or we can turn to God and ask him what he wants to reveal to us and do in us through the disaster. It takes eyes of faith for someone who has lost his sight to keep living out the conviction that God is able to cause everything to “work together for good.” The best destinations are only accessible by the worst roads.