Faith as a Discipline

Have you ever felt like you are trying so hard to have faith but you don't really have that much faith? And you end up feeling hypocritical for trying to have faith when it doesn't actually feel like you have faith so you just end up confused on how to be faithful when you don't feel like you have any faith?

Me too.

Keeping it real, the past several months I have been running on empty when it comes to faith. I feel frustrated about the uncomfortable things I am walking through. I currently have some sort of uncomfortable situation in just about every area of life- spiritually, relationally, and professionally. I find it hard to have faith that my dreams and plans are going to work out, that there is growth in this season, and that hard relationships have a purpose. To be honest, it's hard to have faith when so many things around me seem to be going off the rails.

But what even is faith? It is the assurance of things hoped for. Faith doesn't mean feeling giddy when walking with God and it is not something experienced only through circumstance or emotion. Sometimes, we have to fight to keep our faith. Even when we don't feel like it, we can choose to be faithful as a discipline. The Bible promises us that we reap what we sow and that God can do exceedingly great things even with just a tiny mustard seed-sized faith. Perspective shift: let's take our eyes off of ourselves and fix our eyes on the one who faithfully and obediently took on death knowing that the momentary affliction would produce a glory that far outweighed them all.

Jesus knows it's not always easy or fun to be faithful. He gets us. But he also knows how great the reward is for those who persevere to the end. I think what makes having faith hard is not knowing how everything is going to work out in the end. But then again, it wouldn't be faith if we knew exactly how it all played out. There may be a disconnect between the head and the heart, but that does not negate the truth about God's character. Even when our faith is on 5% we can say this with confidence: God is trustworthy and faithful and will complete the good work he started.

Discipline yourself to be faithful by praying, reading scripture, loving others, praising and thanking God. Faith as a discipline is still faith. Constantly preach the Gospel to yourself so you don't forget of his great grace, mercy, and love. Dear friend, even when it feels impossible to have faith, keep showing up and giving it all you've got. Remember the glory that is promised to those who are faithful to the end. Today, let's life our eyes to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. Beautiful things are waiting around the corner.

Hebrews 11