Have a Little Faith

Hello LOV readers. My name is Christina Gibbs, and I'm a planner. Whenever possible, I feel the need to control the outcome of situations and circumstances that crop up in my life, be they known or unknown. I am well aware that, in spite of planning, situations tend to deviate and do their own thing. And while there's no guarantee, it gives me peace of mind to know I've done all I can to ensure that everything turns out right. That way if things go awry, it won't be for lack of preparation on my part. However, what about the (many) issues I face that I have absolutely no control over? How do I handle those?

Sometimes we have plans to implement and decisions to make and we're confidant about them. We've weighed our options and made an educated choice. The outcome seems clear, and every step toward it is illuminated. But sometimes the solution seems a complete mystery no matter which steps we take. It's hard to take a first step when you're doubtful of the next one.

At the beginning of the year I read "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. The following paragraph, from the book, really stood out to me: "God waits for you to act first. Don't wait to feel powerful or confident. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears and feelings." Often times situations arise where plans are useless. There's no plan on earth that can tell you what will happen if you decide not to fudge the numbers on that finance report like your supervisor requested. A plan won't tell you how that estranged friend will react when you try to reconcile with her. Plans are pointless when God tells you to step forward in a situation that makes no earthly sense to you. However, this is how we grow in the Lord and exercise faith in Him, trusting that He knows best and sees the outcome even though we can't.

Make the time tonight to read Hebrews 11. It gives many examples of all the wonderful things God allowed His people to do by faith. Maybe God has a task for you to accomplish or a blessing He wants to give you. Perhaps He has a valuable lesson for you to learn, but He's waiting on you to take that first step. Don't wait until it "feels" right because that may never happen. Choose to do right and move forward, having faith that God controls the outcome and that He's the only plan you need.

In Christ,

Christina Gibbs

Once raised by a Virtuous single mother, I am now a SAVED and strong Virtuous, Fashionista, that has been freed from a broken heart with God’s love, who accepts when God says ‘No”, who cherishes my best friend, who fears the Lord, who’s best friend is the Lord, that waits on discernment from God, who is living for today, who is a woman of strength, that understands the power of my words, that is aware of God’s presence, is allowing my light to shine, whose growing to be more passionate about serving the Lord, who can listen without pride to constructive criticism, whose fear does not hold me back, who runs to the Lord first about everything, who strives to stay on God’s course, who is saved by the grace of God, who admits to being envious of others at times, who knows my worth, has a calming peace, who gives thanks daily, who wants to be a godly example to others, who is able to forgive my enemies, who has high expectations of me, who has been created in God’s own image, who lovingly submits to my spouse, who understands God's love, has an intimate relationship with God, supports Breast Cancer Awareness, with a family who honors me, Virtuous friends who love me, and with a giving spirit.