What Keeps You Going?

What keeps you going in life? I'm talking about when life just hits you smack-dab in the face - unexpectedly at that! When I was a kid, my mom would pack up us kids and our ponies into the truck & trailer, and we'd go to area horse shows. I remember proudly sitting up on my pony's back, thinking I was all that - indestructible. I think most kids think that once or twice in their childhood. Well this particular show, a big 'ol horsefly bit my little Sugar-Foot on his rear end! He started snorting and running so fast I could barely hold on, and I did until....until he shot his rear feet back and into the air - bucking me off onto the grass.

Let me tell you - I DID NOT have the faith to get back on. You know, the same can be said about so many life experiences we have in our adult lives.

Luke 8:40-56 touches on this exact subject of FAITH.

This is actually one of my favorite story subjects in God's word. FAITH. Just think on that word for a moment; what does it mean to you?? Some people have a difficult time explaining just what that is for them, while others explanations roll right off their tongues.

For me? It's believing without any doubt in someone that I cannot see (God) will do what He said he would do in my life, be there when I need him most, or heal me when I have what seems like no options left, and will answer my prayers (in his timing, not my own). Faith to me is belief without absolute proof!

It was while Jesus was on his way to the home of Jairus, whose young daughter was dying, that a woman reached out. Do you know the story I'm referring to?  This woman had suffered for what seemed years and she had FAITH, that just reaching out and touching Jesus would heal her. Her hands reached only his garment - literally just the thread! Do you have THAT kind of faith?? This woman did - and instantly was healed!

Jesus had been making his way thru the crowd, when all a sudden he stopped, asking who had touched him, exclaiming he knew someone touched him, because he felt the healing power leave him. That's when the woman spoke up, admitting it was she, who had touched him, yearning for healing. 

"Daughter, Jesus exclaimed, "your faith has healed you!" Luke 8:48

All the while, Jairus was trying to hurry Jesus, knowing his daughter would be dead by the time they arrived. Jesus looked at him, who had fear in his eyes, telling him "Don't be afraid. Just have faith and she will be healed." Luke 8:50

Are you struggling today, this week, this month, even this year? Friend, I know how much of a struggle life can be. Sometimes it's so very difficult to see thru the pain to see Jesus amidst the chaos. Would it help to hear that I've also been down in a pit of despair? I have had my own set of trials set before me. One thing I never lost, even in the midst of the flames, was that of my faith! I know it can be hard to even imagine, but dear one, he IS THERE, holding you steadily thru it all!

I'm reminded of the "Footprints" poem. My granny had a framed picture of it hanging on her bathroom wall. I often read it as a child, mesmerized by how Jesus carried someone, not yet understanding the struggles of adult life, as I was merely a youngster. The poem, widely popular, is actually written by an unknown author - who like us probably at times questioned our faith in our Heavenly father.