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The Light of Faith Outshines the Darkness of Fear

August 4, 2016 by Ellen 6 Comments

Things were critical. I HAD to go. I was literally about to pee in my pants. All because I didn’t want to get out of my comfort zone…

I’m not much of a world traveler.

Matter of fact only recently have I begun driving outside of my two home states of Louisiana and Mississippi to go to Dallas for a visit with writer friends. My goodness! ALL those lanes of traffic! That is not what I’m used to! Give me just two lanes of leisurely moving traffic and I’m good. Driving in Dallas is a bit out of my comfort zone.

But when I really, really get out of my comfort zone is flying. I figure if God had wanted me to fly, He would have given me wings.

A few years back, John and I flew out to Utah. In the course of the flight, I realized I had to go to the restroom. However, I was NOT going to leave the safety of my seat. You know, the seat with the seat belt, flotation device, oxygen mask and all. There was no way I was going to walk down the aisle of the plane while it was tens of thousands of feet in the air. No sir. I was going to stay where I was strapped in, with all my safety equipment.

But it got to the point that I had to go. I couldn’t wait any longer, and we had another hour or so left in the flight.  I put on my big girl panties and made the walk down the long aisle to the tiny bathroom cubicle. I stuck my hand inside, running it up and down the wall to find the light switch. It wasn’t there. I was befuddled. Surely there has to be a light switch!

I stepped into the little cubby hole, felt around some more, and still no switch. I wasn’t sure quite what to do! I closed the door half way, but it was pitch black inside. I thought “Surely I will pee all over myself if I try to sit here and maneuver in the dark.” I opened the door and looked again for a light switch – nothing. Finally, things became critical. I had to make a decision. I slammed the door shut, and lo and behold, THE LIGHT CAME ON! It was a miracle! A miracle I tell you!

That’s what it’s like to walk in faith.

I can see your eyes rolling now saying “Going to pee on an airplane is like walking in faith?”

Why yes, yes it is.

You see, you have to decide to take that first step. Even when you get to the dark places, when you can’t see the next step or your hand in front of you, you have to slam the door on doubt and fear, believing that the light of Christ will guide you.

That trip to the bathroom on the airplane? That was the vacation I actually stood at the edge of a cliff. I don’t do things like that. So you see, my friend, tiny steps of faith lead to bigger leaps of faith.

[tweetthis]Let faith be your flashlight![/tweetthis]

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB)

Grace be with you,

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Houston, We Have a Jumper!

October 15, 2015 by Ellen 28 Comments

{Today’s guest is Boma Somiari. Boma is editor of THE MESSAGE, which is published by the women’s fellowship of WEGOM (World-wide Evangelism Gospel Outreach Ministries), a non-denominational evangelistic organization in Nigeria. Boma works whole heartedly for the Lord, and has a heart to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as far and wide as she can. Please pray for Boma and her ministry.}

 

Jump. Just jump.

I could have sworn I didn’t think that thought voluntarily! To say it got my attention would be stating the obvious, but after it took up residence in my mind (and without my permission), we then had a problem that needed to be addressed.

Dear Jesus, I don’t mind taking that leap, but I don’t see where I’m headed – and that’s what the problem is!

Ok, so I know about walking by faith and not by sight, but did you ever wonder what the disciples must have felt as the ship was tossed with waves in the midst of the sea? And then they thought they saw a ghost approaching them!

Where are You, Lord?

Yes, I know about having faith like a child: That same faith that made Peter leave the boat as soon as he heard the Lord bid him come. Faith that does not take reason into account. Faith to trust and obey even when you have no idea what’s going on – or where you’re headed after you jump.

This is the kind of faith that’s required of those who follow Jesus, and especially those blessed with a call to serve.

We walk with the Lord, but no, it’s not always peaches, roses and sunshine, and sometimes the night gets very long.

Then there are those days when you’ve given of yourself – and more – and it’s still not enough. Like, we’re still people, people! (Does anyone get why this is so hard to see sometimes?)

We still trust, obey and follow though, because of the One in whom we have faith; the One who has called us.

There are times when a day is a long time to take it by – then we go by moments:
A moment at a time.

Because whatever we do, we must not give up.

The work would be done – and we cannot fail.

People need to hear about Jesus.

Children need to be fed, clothed and educated.

We are indeed salt of the earth, and salt that has lost its savour is good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

We cannot fail.

Boma 2

So pray for me please, as I stand, fingers crossed, holding my breath – you thought right – I’m about to take that leap.

Or better still, let’s stand together, holding and encouraging one another – and just take that leap.

Even though sometimes I forget, I know as sure as the air I’m breathing right now that we’re headed somewhere – and we cannot go too wrong because underneath are the everlasting arms.

 

Boma and I love to hear your thoughts! Everyone who comments on her post this week, will be entered to win a copy of David Jeremiah’s Quest Daily Devotional. Shower Boma with your love and comments! Winner to be announced next week.

 

 

 

 

BomaBoma Somiari was born and raised in Port Harcourt, capital city of Rivers State in southern Nigeria. Her writing has appeared in various publications including The Message, a study magazine for women which she now manages as editor. She has been involved in preparing Bible study materials for children, and is currently working on a publication that seeks to encourage daily Bible reading and true devotion to God among youths. Her other interests include music, cooking, and crafts.
She blogs at The April Journal (www.theapriljournalblog.wordpress.com)

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