Walking by Faith; Constantly Tripping

2 Corinthian 5:7a    For we walk by faith…

I recently saw a t-shirt that said ‘walking by faith, tripping constantly’.  While that elicited a chuckle at first, the more I thought about it, the more truth I found in that simple statement. I like to think that my faith is solid and strong, but it doesn’t take much to make me stumble.

This year has been riddled with trip hazards. My parents rapid decline in health (trip). Having to put both of them in skilled nursing care. (stumble) Overseeing pretty much all aspects of their life and considering next steps with their home and finances. (stagger) Health concerns for immediate family members. (misstep) A big bump in the road with my own health. (fall)

Each one of these things causes me to question what the Lord is doing in my life (and the lives of those I love). I know trials are part of a Christian life, but so many in just a few months’ time?! Satan is great at usi`ng these challenges to make us question God. (while Job had it so much worse, I feel he and I could have a decent conversation on trials – I’d probably learn something from him) So I spend a lot of time pondering what God is trying to teach me through these trials and asking Him to reveal it to me so I can learn and move on. I think about verses like Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope and Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

While I know this in my heart, my mind takes me down some dark paths sometimes. I do know God’s ‘got this’.  Seriously, who do I think is there to pick me up each time I stumble or fall? I know it’s God’s hands holding me as we encounter each storm. And what better hands to be in?  And don’t think I take for granted all of the people He’s surrounded me with to support me through the rough patches. Thank You, God, and so many of you for your love and support. It makes the bumpy road a little easier to navigate!

722 Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me

Lord, take my hand and lead me  Upon life’s way;
Direct, protect, and feed me  From day to day.
Without Your grace and favor  I go astray;
So take my hand, O Savior,  And lead the way.

Lord, when the tempest rages,  I need not fear,
For You, the Rock of Ages,  Are always near.
Close by Your side abiding,  I fear no foe,
For when Your hand is guiding,  In peace I go.

_{Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110000635}

Dawn Lubker, Director of Ministries