Forging Forward in Faith

Faith

Sep 28

Has this year brought your faith into question? With all that is going on in our world, I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m sure that we can all agree that we’ve seen better days. Between what feels like the never-ending pandemic, racial tension, political climate, failing economy, and all the uncertainty, it can be a fight to keep the faith and hope alive. During times like this, it’s tempting to have faith in or look to the government, our jobs, or social outlets for deliverance. However, these fickle facades will always disappoint and disseminate more uncertainty. So how can we forge forward in faith in the midst of unknown and uncertainty?

Remain Steadfast.

It’s easy to stay focused when life is going as planned but what happens when the storms and waves come? Will you remain rooted and steadfast? To be steadfast means to be established, firm in purpose, resolution, faith, and fixed in your direction. However, it’s hard to be established when you have no foundation. It is our faith in Christ and the purpose He has created for us that will keep up us grounded during these times. Do you know your purpose? Are you focused on Who He is and what He is calling you to do? Are you floundering in fear? Or forging forward in faith, remaining steadfast and focused on the Kingdom and what He has purposed you to do? If you feel far from God or unsure about His purpose for you, I would invite you to spend this time reconnecting to Him and learning about His character. It is in Him that you will find yourself and receive insight into how He has uniquely purposed you to take part in His story. Discover God and His purposes for you and remain steadfast in Him.

Have a Hopeful Expectation.

While we can be sure that coronavirus does have an end date, it’s best not to place our hope in uncertain outcomes but Jesus Christ our Living Hope and the Author and Finisher of our faith. We can place our hope and find our strength through Him. That is why Paul encourages us to "rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, and be persistent in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) By doing so, we are saying that our hope and expectation is in Christ, not our circumstances. Therefore, we can move forward confidently and with expectancy, knowing that God will move but in His timing and way. Regardless of the outcome, we can trust that He’s still good and has our good in mind.

Take a Faith-filled Step.

One of the many lessons that this pandemic has taught us is that life has never been certain. We can’t control what comes our way, but we take ownership of our response by choosing to move forward in faith. What is one tiny step of faith that you can take right now? Refreshing your LinkedIn? Applying for your 501(c)(3)? Extending forgiveness? Enrolling in that graduate program? Booking your first therapy session? Hiring a coach? Resolve in your mind and heart that even if you are uncertain and you’re living in the unknown, you’re going to forge forward in faith one small step at a time.

Remember, forging forward in faith doesn’t look like having all the answers or knowing what’s next. We are reminded in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is the reality of what we hope for and the evidence of what we don't yet see. That is why regardless of what is happening, we are to remain steadfast in Christ, have a hopeful expectation in His character and eternal promises, and boldly step out in faith in the areas He has called us to. This is how we can forge forward in faith during uncertain times.