My husband is a man of few words. When he speaks, he either makes me laugh or makes me think. Friday, he made me think.
Weary from work, the news of protesters killed by a teen, another black man shot by police, learning about Chadwick Boseman, family drama, a feeling of dread overcame me.
As I shared my struggle with my husband, he told of his similar struggle earlier that day. And he said, “You can’t hold onto fear and to faith at the same time. You have to let one of them go.”
It reminded me of something he said to when we were first married and struggling financially. He asked for something specific from the grocery store. I bought something similar because it was on sale. He asked a question that made me laugh and think at the same time, “Does your faith not work at the grocery store?”
People, honestly, I feel as if I’m holding on by a thread over here. But I have to ask myself am I going to hold onto Faith in God’s faithfulness or will I cling to what seems hopeless. Does my faith work in the middle of remote learning?
Am I going to hold onto the promise, “He works all things to together for good”, or am I going to hold onto the bitterness. Does my faith work in a country divided by race?
Am I going to persevere knowing perseverance produces character which produces hope which wil not disappoint or will I disengage and have a pity party. Does my faith work in grief?
Am I going to cling to the truth that In Him I have peace, he has given me authority to speak to my storm or will I allow chaos to rule my heart? Does my faith work in the middle of drama?
My husband spoke an Elijah word over me. “How long Melissa will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God follow Him. Trust Him. Put your faith in Him. Your faith works in 2020.”
“Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.
At the time for offering the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah approached the altar and said, “ Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that you are God in Israel and I am your servant, and that at your word I have done all these things. Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that you, the Lord, are God and that you have turned their hearts back.””
1 Kings 18:21, 36-37 CSB