Eyes of Faith

“My God knows my name!”  The glowing face and the dancing feet still make my heart smile as I replay the scene in my head.  The context of those words makes the picture in my mind more glorious.  My friend was stopping by with gifts for our food pantry before he headed to the hospital to have a tumor removed from his brain.

His attitude toward this entire health crisis never wavered.  From the very first announcement to his church family:  “Praise God, I have a brain tumor” to his dance in my driveway, he marched forward with confidence in the Father’s loving plans.  Inspiring is too small a word!  Faith lived out in such vibrancy transforms all that come in contact with it.

You might be tempted to think this man was a giant in the faith.  He is, but he is also a baby Christian with only two years having passed since he surrendered his life.  The depth of understanding in his heart about the love and power of God gives him confidence to live with faith that brings life to others.  God desires all who face trials to have the joy and peace he displays.

The scriptures abound with living examples to model our lives on too. Paul is one of the first to come to mind.  Innocent of charges brought against him, he finds himself on a ship in a hurricane.  His eyes and ears remained fixed on the Heavenly Father.  He spoke words of encouragement and the lives of those with him were spared.  Shipwrecked on the island, he is bit by a poisonous snake.  Healings and more miracles flowed as he simply shook it off.  Faith wins victories for us and others.

Are you facing a struggle today?  The promises of Jeremiah 29:11 are yours to claim.  God gave those words to the nation of Israel at a time of great difficulty.  Our eyes can easily settle on the things which frighten and discourage us but there is no victory in that!  We must choose eyes of faith that draw us toward the certain promises that rest in Jesus Christ.  God knows each of our names.  His thoughts toward us are good.  He is worthy of our trust.

Back to my friend:  his surgery is complete.  He is now begging to return home and celebrate Father’s Day with his daughter…and celebrate his heavenly Father by going to church.  He has a long road ahead.  The surgeon was unable to completely remove the tumor—an additional surgery and radiation are likely.  Yet his surrender to God remains solid because of his confidence in the one who knows him by name.  Pray for Jerry and give him fruit by living out his legacy, won’t you?