Faith Doesn't Guarantee Success
I was talking to my shepherd the other day, and a profound thought came out of our conversation. Faith does not guarantee success. So many times people say just have faith... you'll get the job, you'll get the car, you'll get the relationship, etc., etc., but in reality, faith does not guarantee success. It's a chance for the Lord to stretch us and strengthen our devotion and relationship to Him. He is my strength perfected in my weakness.
It feels like sometimes we want to will our way to the outcome we desire. But honestly, it's truly left to the will of our Heavenly Father, God. Sometimes I feel like when I pray, I am trying to rub a genie out of a bottle and grant my heart's desire. But I ultimately have to rebuke that thought. I have no control... that's the reality, kinda tough right? But that's the truth. I have no direct control over the exact outcome I desire. However, what I can control is my ability to submit to the will of God.
It's kinda funny actually, there was a time that I really liked this girl. Like to the point where I just knew I'd end up dating and marrying her. I'd have dreams and visions of us and the life we'd create. I thought the Lord would bring the situation to me somehow, someway because of my faith. I thought, man, I've been devoted, I've surrendered my authority to Him. I just know he'll do this for me. And the Lord even let me get really close to making it happen... but in the end it didn't. I was devastated, but I quickly learned God was protecting me. He wanted me to realize a few things. 1. Just because someone seems good for you, are they truly suitable? 2. You may hope and pray for certain things, but ultimately His Will will be sustained. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (ESV). I thank my Heavenly Father for divinely directing my life. 3. I can pray and petition for the things I desire, but I need to be okay with the reality that the Lord may have something else in store. Maybe even better.
In all, Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV). I grew up all my life hearing this verse, and I've also heard Preachers all over try to make sense out of it. To me, this is how I make sense of it. Yes, Faith is the substance of things I hope for, my desires, my dreams, and my aspirations. However, when the Lord divinely speaks and shares a dream vision or word of those hopes and dreams, that is the evidence we can not quite yet see. Through faith we understand.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 KJV