CRISIS OF FAITH

My Bible Study group is studying "Experiencing God" by Henry and Richard Blackaby, and Claude King.

This week our chapter was entitled, "The Crisis of Belief."

May I quote them to explain:

"When God tells you what He wants to do through you, you will face a crisis of belief.

When God invites you to join Him in His work, He has a God-sized assignment for you. You will quickly realize you cannot do what He is asking on your own. If God doesn't help you, you will fail. This is the crisis of belief when you must decide whether to believe God for what He wants to do through you."

Well.

My Bible Study leader called me the other night, asking me to share some of my thoughts and feelings about this – knowing what I've been going through lately.

When she first asked me, I was honored.

But then, on second thought, I was pretty sure she had misdialed.

You see, when I hear the phrase "crisis of faith" I have a bit of a problem. Not with the idea of having a crisis, but with the idea that I am unqualified to talk about it when I don't seem to navigate my crises very well.

However, knowing that my leader – (who is also a very good friend) – probably wouldn't accept the idea that her invitation to speak was also a crisis (!!), I decided to give it a shot.

When preparing to talk about something, I always find it helpful to look up a word in the dictionary – (English major genes die hard). This is the meaning of crisis:

A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point

An unstable condition involving an abrupt or decisive change

An emotionally stressful event or traumatic change in a person’s life

A point in a story or drama when a conflict reaches its highest tension and must be resolved

Boy, I can identify with those definitions. Especially the "unstable condition" part – which I also think can be found in the dictionary under "Sharon."

This past year has brought so many crises of faith – last week was the pinnacle of a pretty steady parade of health issues that has plagued my family in the last year. I have been poked and prodded in this area – and it's forced me to take a good, long look at myself.

I haven't been too happy with some of the things I've seen.

But I've been honest.

You know that if you've read my last few posts.

Yes, I did ultimately receive some very good news. But I didn't battle too well. However, I am giving myself some grace – because I think there's something more important going on here than my *faith performance.*

The point is what GOD is up to with all of this – and whether or not I'm holding on to Him – even if it's with weak and worried arms.

And that brings me to the big decision that "The Hub" and I are facing.

Crisis – an impending abrupt or decisive change. Yup, that would pretty much sum it up.

I can't share the details with you – (not just yet) – but this decision would bring many changes to our lives. It would definitely be a major *push out of the nest.*

However, this decision doesn't feel like something that just "popped into our heads" of our own volition – it definitely feels like God has spoken.

So, we've stepped out in faith – and all of a sudden, the story has taken off.

Let me tell you, it's been quite a wild ride. There has been plenty of opposition. But lately, that is beginning to feel like pathetic attempts to halt God's story. Even my recent cancer scare…

…someone is shooting arrows.

In my own power, I feel woefully unable to follow through on what God is asking. I am often unsure that I can leave the comfort zone I'm so used to. But I truly believe God is calling –

I loved these words from our study:

"When God tells us what He wants to do through us, it will be something only He can do."

Yes, indeed.

I'm telling you – He's gonna have to do this one. It's awfully big.

So, a crisis of faith.

What have I learned?

I have learned that a crisis of faith brings us to our knees. But only on our knees can we look up.

Into the eyes of the one who loves us – the One who died for us and lives.

The One who's writing an epic story, and who invites us to be part of the plot!

Yes, Lord – I believe, please help my unbelief!

Have you had a "crisis of faith" lately? Have you said "Yes" to the story God wants to write in your life?

Linked today with Joan at the GRACE CAFE

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"