Many, by faith, do something, expect something, or trust God for something.
They believe God’s will for them is to enroll their child at a certain school, to take a job, to leave a job, to join a church, or to marry this person. They pray, ‘Lord, by faith I do this’, expecting that the outcome of their faith will be a positive result.
But the child is miserable at the school, the job is a disaster, they can’t get another job, their church experience is hurtful and the relationship breaks up before the wedding day. They are confused, exclaiming, ‘But I did it by faith.’ The Enemy whispers, "What’s the use of trusting God; of having faith. Look what happened. What’s the point?"
Then there are occasions when the outcome is all we expected; or even better than we hoped. At those times we are encouraged, and certainly do not protest at God’s unexpected blessings. We feel assured of His Love and Grace.
Yet, if God permits what He could have prevented, allowing the outcome of our faith decisions to be suffering, then why do we not equally yield to the One who is Love? We magnify faith when the outcome is spectacular; we discard it when the outcome is a reversal.
The issue is that we are to have faith in God, not faith in faith, or faith in the outcome of our faith. Our faith is not fixed on the something; but on the Someone. We may start with faith in the promise; trust that the decision is the right one; but we must not stop there. If we do, we are tied to the outcome. We must move into the One who promised, and trust in God, who is leading us. He will weave all things that eventuate in our lives together for good, and will bring about His purposes whatever the outcome. We will not focus on the negative outcome, for in that negative a positive is hidden. With the heart of faith, we see only Him who develops our faith into a revelation of His love. If we were guaranteed the outcome, then we would not need faith. That is not to become passive or fatalistic; we confidently make choices and decisions by faith in Him.
‘But I did it in faith.’ Yes you did, so yield to your Father who is above these unexpected circumstances, who is in these disappointments, and believe that He has seen your heart. Abide in Christ, continue to walk by faith, and the outcome will be in His perfect will for you.
Linda Guy
