I've been poking around in Hebrews this week and Faith has been the word on my mind. Hebrews 11:1 says now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I have considered myself to be a faithful woman for a very long time. But there's nothing like a bump in the road to change your self view. Am I really sure of what I hope for and certain of what I don't see?? I can't say that describes me in all situations of my life. I'm pretty sure and very certain of what I don't see when all is going well. When there's plenty of money in the bank, a consistent source of income, and great things happening around every corner, I know there is a God in heaven who loves me and takes care of me. BUT when life serves me a blow,I'm not so sure of what I hope for and I can't say I am certain of what I don't see. I ask God where He is and wonder why I must endure. It's embarrassing--to say the least. I am ashamed to say that when the going gets tough this mama of five, leader of a ministry, wife of a saint drops her faith like a hot potato!

But I know God well enough to understand that He wants more for me. And so, these little bumps in the road serve as tools to strengthen my faith. The more I live, the more I realize that trusting and believing God during the good times is not enough. I must learn to trust Him during those times when I am in the complete dark--the times when I have no control (not that I ever really have any control). Faith has become this word we throw around; we say to each other and to ourselves, "Yes,I have faith; I believe." I am learning through my own God-given experiences that it isn't enough to say I believe! I must ask myself in every difficult sitiation, am I sure of what I hope for; am I certain of the things I don't see? THAT is the kind of faith I want to LIVE!