one step at a time.

2 Corinthians 5:7

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

you ever thought about being blind? there are sometimes when i try to feel for people who cannot see, and walk with my eyes closed for just a few steps. after only a few steps i am totally disoriented. it is so unnatural for us to walk without seeing where we are going, but this is exactly what Paul tells us we must do as Christians.

our world today has become so materialistic. we are far more concerned with building up our earthly treasure, and accumulating wealth than we are serving our God. to a point this can be understandable; we can see money, we can feel it, and we see the pleasure that money can bring us - but we can't see God. this is the problem - the eyes of men are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20). a man can never reach the point where he has enough money; striving for wealth becomes an obsession, a god. we're living for this temporary instant gratification that will never satisfy our true desires. the materials of this world fluctuate - they can not be guaranteed consistent. what we have today, may not be here tomorrow. in 1 Timothy, Paul says to instruct the rich not to "fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches," a hope which "plunges men into destruction." if this is our hope, then it will produce uncertainty, that can produce anxiety.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

people who walk by faith, will handle the world's goods with contentment. God has promised to supply our material needs if we have the faith you place His reign over our lives.

Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

i have been faced with questions like, "if there is really a God, why is there so much suffering in this world?" or "why would a God allow children to die at such a young age?" or "why would God even allow diseases like cancer in this world?" - if God is really who you say He is, then he can get rid of all this suffering.

there is a difference, when dealing with suffering, between the people who walk by sight, and the people who walk by faith. i find that people who walk by sight deal with suffering with despair. our view of suffering demands for equality and justice in the life that we live. people wonder often: why do the wicked seem to get what they want, and are successful, when i am over here trying to do the right thing, but i am suffering so much. our faith will falter if we try to answer this from a strictly worldly point of view. if we walk by faith, we can see suffering with hope.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

we can be hopeful in the face of suffering if our sights are set on heaven, and not on this world.

we are challenged by the Bible to "walk by faith, not by sight." this can be just as unnatural as walking with our eyes closed. in the beginning it is is difficult, and uncomfortable, but the more steps we take, the more comfortable we will become, and the more confident we will be in where we are being directed. ultimately that is what faith is all about - "the assurance of things hoped for."

Hebrews 1:11 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

if you click here, you can listen to a song by jeremy camp known as "walk by faith."

sometimes it can be so hard to desire God's plan for us, with a willing heart. there is so much sin in this world, and so many temptations that we all give into at some point or another. just being patient with who God wants you to spend the rest of your life with is a struggle for many people, including me.

in high school i always did things my way. most times didn't rely on God in what i did, even though that was the life i perceived to be living. i struggled with things just like everyone else did. sin is just as tempting for me, as it is for anyone else. but Jesus died for my sins. died for yours. died for hitler's. died for your neighbor's. died for everyone's. doesn't matter who you are. He died for you - a worthless, human sinner.

i used to be embarrassed to admit the sin i used to struggle with, but as far as i have come from that point in my life, it is still a part of me, and God has made me so much stronger through it all. i am washed clean of those sins, by the precious blood of Christ.

i struggled with thoughts of suicide the majority of high school, and developed the addiction of cutting my senior year. i never thought i would make it to graduation - so i didn't work hard in school, try to find a school to go to, and i fell out of love with soccer, something i couldn't do without. it still is amazing to me how God placed me where i am today, and how He opened my eyes and heart. when people ask how i even heard of union, i try to explain it - but you just can't explain God. i had absolutely nothing to do with it.

it was not until i went to school at union did i truly know what it meant to experience God, His grace, and love. i was surrounded with so many people that loved me, and cared about what i was going through. God revealed Himself through the people here and showed me i was trying to do it all on my own, and if i would just reach for His hand i would get out of the ditch that i was in. now i am at a wonderful school - growing more than i ever thought i could, getting the education i need, playing a game that i love, and developing relationships that will last a lifetime. i tell you, God is so good, and always directing your every way - whether you want to believe it or not.

"I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God." -Elisabeth Elliot

just take one step at a time. things do not just change over night, but do not ever underestimate God. you can be sky high, hitting rock bottom, or just going through the motions - He is always going to be there. there are always going to be everyday struggles, and battles you have to face. i will admit, it is so hard for me to patient and just wait for "the one." you see your friends in relationships, getting engaged, and married, and think that is never gonna be you. the Lord will give you the desires of your heart, you just have to be obedient.

i am learning to be content, and joyful with whatever comes my way - everyday. God has plan, not just any plan, but a perfect one. i am excited to see what he teaches me - whether that is through trials, struggles, or high times in my life. i am glad He is the author of my life. i will walk by faith, even when i cannot see.

in the words of jordin sparks' song, one step at a time...

when you can't wait any longer,
but there's no end in sight.
when you need to find the strength,
it's your faith that makes you stronger.
the only way you get there is one step at a time.