Saturday, October 4, 2008

"Now Faith Is...?"



I don’t know if you can read the fine print on this beautiful little graphic or not, but the author is Joni Erickson Tada. Because of her paralysis and confinement to a wheelchair she has been accused of not having faith. Her accuser’s “reasoning” causes them to conclude that if she had faith she would be healed. Let’s get “liberated” from some “stinking thinking” today.

There is no doubt that God is the healer, there is no doubt that if we can believe all things are possible to them who believe, there is no doubt that at times Jesus says to all of us, “Oh, ye, of little faith”, and there is no doubt that we have an adversary who comes to accuse us when we don’t see the healing, or the deliverance, or the need met. He comes to accuse us of not having faith, of not being a Christian or things would change, he tells us that God is mad at us, that we have sin in our lives, and a whole barrage of other accusations.

The liberation happens as we stop listening to his “LIES” and start listening to God’s “TRUTH”. The truth is that God is still a Sovereign God. The truth is that “all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose”. The truth is that it was neither “he nor his parents who sinned, but that the works of God might be made manifest”. The truth is that God can use you anywhere, in any situation, in any circumstance, at any time- whether it’s in a wheelchair, a hospital bed, behind prison bars, living on the streets- and still get glory in spite of it.

The truth is that it takes greater (REAL) faith to continue to serve God, to continue to let your light shine, to continue to love God, to continue to trust Him when you feel like He “has slain you”, to be content in whatever state you are in. So, in my book, if ever there was a real “Glitter Girl” Joni is one because she still shines in spite of her physical condition, she exhibits peace despite the confinement of a wheelchair, she beams with joy even through the inability to help herself with even small task, the love of Jesus radiates from her even in her weaknesses. Her faith is the “real deal”. Is yours?

“Glitter Girls” know that real faith shines brighter in times of darkness than it does in the sun light. “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” Hebrews 11:39

1 comment:

fymmom said...

Lorraine, just wanted you to know that I have visited your site and I pray that the Lord will abundantly bless your efforts to reach women for Jesus. You are a special lady and I appreciate you!