“Lord, Vince and I are walking. Day after day, we are taking the steps of faith you show us. And yet, we are going nowhere.” Several days ago, I hit a wall. I literally got mad at God and this was my complaint. In this wilderness season, Vince and I continue to take the steps we feel God calling us to take, and still, we seem to be getting nowhere. Do you ever feel like this?
The Christian life is all about walking in faith, taking the steps we feel God is calling us to take. So often I tend to think these steps of obedience should be easy, comfortable, and quickly rewarded. Sometimes they are. That has not been the case, however, on our current wilderness adventure. I would guess that many of you have experienced the same thing. I am sad to say, I got mad at God for not blessing our faith in the way I felt He should.
Interestingly enough, as soon as I voiced my complaint to God, I had what my sweet friend Christy Pierce calls a God whisper. God spoke to my heart and mind, “But you are getting stronger.” He brought to my mind a treadmill. When we walk on a treadmill for health and fitness, we don’t go anywhere. At the same time, we know that each step makes us stronger. Wow! In that moment of frustration, God impressed upon me that He is making us strong. Although we feel stuck and don’t seem to be making “progress,” He is strengthening us with each step we take. That is huge for me.
In addition, I am very aware of my flaws. The ugliness I have seen in myself during this season is humbling. I am constantly taking all of this to Jesus and asking Him to change me and to make me who He desires. I am very aware that any good I typically see in myself comes from Him. The great work I have done, or will do, has only been done through Him. All pride and self-sufficiency are replaced with a real knowledge of …. but for the grace of God go I.
No, I do not like this season. I would be lying if I said otherwise. And yet, I know it is so very good. God is changing me. He is changing Vince. He is making us stronger and doing a good work in us. This season will bear fruit …… and I do hope it ends soon. But for now, we must continue walking on this faith treadmill, even when we feel as though we are going nowhere.
Perhaps you find yourself on the faith treadmill, as well. I pray you may be encouraged. As I write, I am praying for you. May God calm your heart as He calmed mine and immerse you in His presence. This season is not a waste. Your spirit is getting buff!
Galatians 6:9 ….. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
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