This is a repost from the beginning. Enjoy!
Faith. That's an interesting word. Sometimes people equate the amount of faith a person has by if they are healthy, have money, etc. However, that's not the definition of faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). We all seem to quote it when we want things from God. How about just believing and quoting it just to get to know God better. How about having faith in what God's Word says about any situation.
This week in my studies, I've been in Hebrews chapter 11 - the faith chapter. One thing that it showed me was there were great people of faith who NEVER received the promises they were believing God for in their lifetime on earth. That seems to go against the tide of the "faith" message of today. Some people believe that to have faith, one shouldn't get sick. Or that God will protect them from sickness. Since, "by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). That verse also says that, "He was wounded for our transgressions" and yet we still sin. Well, while reading the epistles of Paul, there were many ministers including himself who were sick or had an ailment. Are you telling me Paul and those who were ministering with him didn't have "faith"? What about having all of their wants and desires? Paul spoke about just being content whether having things in abundance or when he didn't (Philippians 4: 11, 12). So did Paul have no "faith"? Of course he did as he wrote about two-thirds of the New Testament.
I say all of this because in my lifetime, because I have been diagnosed with Lupus, people have told me that I didn't have enough faith. In the past I used to think that. But then I grew up in the Lord and realized just like Paul, this Lupus was my "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7). I decided to continue to give God praise whether I'm physically healed in this lifetime or when I get to glory. One thing that I do praise God about is that He has kept me and is keeping me. He shows me the things I need to do to keep my body as healthy as it can be. He also shows me when I need to seek medical help.
This past Friday (in February), the day the world celebrated women's heart health, I experienced chest pressure, shortness of breath, and pain upon inhalation. I knew that heart issues presents itself differently in women than in men. I prayed and asked God should I go to hospital. Of course He said that I should, so I did. I was worked up for cardiac and respiratory as I also have asthma. To make a long story short, there was nothing significantly wrong with my heart and my breathing was put under control. So I give praise to God that nothing serious was wrong and that I didn't have to be admitted to the hospital. Did I have "faith"? Some may say, "no" because I "allowed it to happen". But I say, "yes", because I listened and obeyed the voice of God.
What is faith to you? Comment below. Have a blessed week and continue to walk in faith!
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