Faith, Life Stories, and Everything
Deep belief shows.
A core belief established through a significant memory shapes thoughts, words, and behaviors. It becomes obvious at a certain point, even betrays us in what we want the world to see. In time the object in which we place our faith will show through.
Faith isn’t a concrete thing, but it’s observed in a life.
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1
Belief. Confidence. Something will happen. Someone will make it happen.
Faith.
The real deal can be mustered up like we try to do with courage. Repeating over and over, “Do it anyway. Do it afraid!” may inspire boldness. Millions march to that mantra every day, and there’s nothing entirely wrong with that. Will daily affirmations build faith? Yes, there’s a place for recounting the goodness of God, his truth, and our identity as scripture outlines daily, for sure! But there’s this—
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8
A gift from God.
This belief is NOT a neon-blue rabbit's foot in your pocket. It’s not the right words spoken in a moment in just the right way.
It is expectation that what we hope for is nearly concrete. Through faith, we trust the promises from God. It begins with “when you believed.” That’s the starting point, the catalyst, for the things surrounding those words.
“God saved you.” You didn’t do it or earn it. God is the active person doing the saving. The English major in me loves to look at Bible verses this way sometimes; it’s simple and reminds me that written words have relationship to one another for a purpose. [Insert a cheeky, geeky grin here.]
When God does the saving, what happens? Redemption through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
The love of God is amazing!
Do you have the same unending struggle to wrap your mind around the goodness of God? When I think about the choices I’ve made in my life, it becomes unfathomable that holy God would love me, a rebellious, licentious, selfish woman who has a hard time not being self-protective of my comfort, freedom, or safety. In very real, humble moments I key in more on the first part of that sentence than the latter.
When I think about it, it’s much like the parent of a murdered child accepting the criminal who did the deed. And not just accepting—embracing the offender with love and undeserved favor. Unthinkable! Yet, this is our God.
And I am a recipient of this amazing grace. Unimaginable. If you knew my story, you’d know I’m not different from a murderer in contrast to our perfect, holy God.
Saved from…
We are saved from something, a critical thing (I’ve got a long list of my “critical things” in mind!).
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 ESV
Jesus came for a specific purpose: to reconcile all of creation (you and me) to our heavenly Father, the Holy One who wishes to be in relationship with all of us, in spite of the offensive deeds. For that relationship to be restored, someone had to die. Jesus is that Someone.
“My story makes this impossible, Jen.”
I can only imagine. Here we sit, worlds apart, without knowing the stark contrasts and common storylines we’ve lived. If we have shared experience, we can’t even count on that for solid connection. We experience events in a personal way, and some are painful beyond words. I’ve had moments like that. You have, too.
The saving is never dependent upon the elements in our stories—murder is not okay, but gossip is eligible. I am able to be saved, but the one who offended me is not. No, it is solely fueled and dependent upon the one extending the invitation.
I won’t lie. I’ve had tearful conversations with God about that last sentence up there. But the same joy I feel about God’s love for me is available to all. Me. You. Everybody.
(Read the start of my series on Invitation here.)
If you could have access to genuine wisdom...access to the smartest mind to coach you through every step of life and your life's work...Who would you want to have a conversation with?
“My story is so painful!”
Friend, you have my love and support as you begin to think about the past, but I am going to be very clear. You don’t find yourself in that story by yourself. This little pearl of wisdom was gifted to me through my favorite podcast, The Place We Find Ourselves. Adam Young is right: we do this work in relationship to God, ourselves, and safe others. It’s important we genuinely evaluate our relationship with God and find that safe person or people before journeying into the darker past. I love that truth: “We don’t find ourselves by ourselves.”
Saved to…
Friend, we are not only saved from our sin (though I want to celebrate that every day!). We are invited into His life, not the other way around. We are saved to something—to a life that bears the marks of the One who saved us. That life is fueled by a fire in the belly, a passion for someone you simply must reach, pray for, fight for. Your story has full redemption in the telling for others’ benefit, and ultimately, freedom!
Faith, life stories, and everything?
That’s what this space is all about. You know that by now, and I’m glad you’ve leaned into this place enough to explore. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post (or any of them). Got something you’re wrestling with or that you want to see appear in this space? If I don’t know much about a topic, I’m gathering resources fast!
Shoot me a question or topic, and I’ll see if that’s a fit for this space.
Action Steps
Think about influences: I’ve listed three sources I love: scripture, Adam Young’s podcast, and Dr. Dan Allender’s work (indirectly). Take three seconds to list your top three influence choices. Who or what are they?
Transformational: your heart, perspective, and ultimately WORK! Embracing the truth of your story is ultimately transformational work. In preparation for your “story work” in the future, who will be your safe person or people to support you?
