Do you ever wonder if you are living with a real hope and faith or just wishful thinking? I imagine many people do but don't like to admit it. It exposes things in each of us that is painful.
When my emotions are negative and my circumstances are less than desirable, the question tends to arise. As a Christ follower, I have to battle against the lies of despair. Some days my faith is strong but other days it feels very weak. On weak days, I get a brief thought in my head that says, "You don't have faith. You are an imposter. You are just wishful thinking. All this hard work and spiritual/personal development is not doing any good."
It's a lie though. In Christ I can claim so many promises. In Him I am: Victorious. Free. A son. Adopted. Power in the spirit. Redeemed. Chosen. Forgiven. A purpose. A calling. A great high priest to run to. A intercession who prays for me. A future. A hope in the present. And much more.
So how do you know if you are living in belief and true hope and not just wishful thinking? I don't know 100% but here's what I know.
1. As a Christ follower the Bible is full of promises and truths. If you are reading them and being reminded of them then you can know if you are on track. The world has lots of false promises. The bible has proven the test of time.
2. Your circumstances and emotions are not a good measure of hope and faith. Emotions are good indicators of a personal or spiritual process going on in you. Your situation can look very bleak and negative but that doesn't mean God is not at work. He allows suffering. We don't always know why but He is unchanged by them. He is the same always. Trust His heart and goodness. Not circumstances - whether good or bad. Circumstances may be the result of your sin and neglect/drifting. Don't blame God for that. Ask Him and others to help you get back on track. Don't put yourself in a position to require a bail out or miracle. God may bail you out but He may not. He will, however, walk with you and never forsake you. Your sin doesn't void out His promises. It may take you on a detour of pruning but it is still a display of His grace.
3. Keep showing up. Some things we need to give up, but many of us give up too soon On good things. We don't persevere. We quit when it gets hard.
It is best to focus on daily obedience and faithfulness. Try not to focus just on results and "what ifs." We can't always control the outcomes. We can control a lot of our actions, though. Our daily choices either move us closer to God or away. Our actions ether produce eventual success or more failure. We can fail forward and keep growing but it takes work and determination.
4. Get a mentor. Someone you invite into your inner world to pray with and for you, listen to your situation and ask you critcal questions that help you work out issues that are hindering your growth. Call on them regularly so you don't drift toward isolation. They can help remind you of your goals, Gods promises and other wisdom.
There are two phrases and prayers that have carried me through hard times: both are from the Bible.
A. Daily Bread.
B. "I believe. Help my unbelief."
Does this help? Have other suggestions? I would love to hear them.
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