Thursday, February 23, 2012

Faith...

Infinite possibilities are born of faith…
Faith…its very definition from the Merriam Dictionary speaks of a belief and loyalty as well as a trust in God-

There is a love-hate relationship with that word in our lives, or at least in mine. Let’s face it; when life is going well, having faith is effortless and painless like summer breezes.  On the flip side, when times are tumultuous and tiresome we or shall I say, I find it problematic to dig deep and find faith that my existence will ever be effortless again.

I spent a great deal of my younger years wanting to believe that the troubled times in my childhood held a purpose. I begged God to permit life be simpler for me as I’d bargain with God to convey harmony rather than manage barriers with every turn. I must admit, these similar views plague me in adulthood as well, in fact in this very moment.

As life would have it, new opportunities present themselves that have life altering possibilities; hopes are at the height of the Heavens, then come plummeting down like a crystal vase into a thousand minuscule shards scattering over lands of self-esteem, doubt and questions of purpose in life.

As coincidences often transpire, this sign was posted on a friend’s facebook page: God’s 3 answers to your prayers: 1.) Yes! 2.) Not Yet! …and 3.) I have something better in mind.

My first thought is: what can God have better in mind then what I’ve already planned out and organized neatly into my life? Far be it for me to dispute God, but I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t, so I do~

But at this time of an abundance of doubt and uncertainty I’ll refer back to faith- and try to remember…

"As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit." 
By Emmanuel Teney

31 comments:

Maine Kitties said...

What a great quote...I'll have to write that down! Thanks! :)

Wanda's Wings said...

Faith indeed can be hard to hold on to during the rough times. I am glad God can see the smallest amount of faith and show us His love.

Sylvia K said...

A great quote indeed! I hope things flow smoothly in your life and soon!

Sylvia

Teresa Evangeline said...

I love the possible answers to our prayers, and the Teney quote is perfect. It takes a lot of faith to have faith. ;)

Karen Mortensen said...

What a beautiful post. Thanks for your words today.

Julie Harward said...

I so agree...I am a person with great faith, but every once in awhile, when I want something REALLY bad...it sure takes it's time coming! ;D

Nancy said...

Sometimes accepting and trusting what God has in mind is very difficult but I have always found that His plans are so much better than anything I could have dreamed or planned. It doesn't mean that one is not anxious during the changes taking place but staying focused on the Father and His great love for us does bring a sense of peace.....I pray your faith will be stronger than your doubts and that God will show you His great love for you in abundance......

Hugs and prayers,
Nancy

From the Kitchen said...

Very thought provoking and speaks to some of the same thoughts that I have regarding faith.

Best,
Bonnie

Old Kitty said...

It's completely understandable to lose heart when times are tough and you feel emotionally drained and fragile and vulnerable and you wonder what the whole point of life is. It's very difficult to get out of this rut. I guess I've learned to embrace these times, to wallow in them and then to somehow dig deep into my reserves of strength accumulated over the years to pull myself out of it. It's very difficult, but, yes, very human! Take care
x

Dawn said...

Wonderful thoughts. Faith is a tricky one for me!

mamahasspoken said...

Ah yes faith, hard to have in times of trouble and soon forgotten when things are good.

Ginny Hartzler said...

So are things going well or badly for you right now?

Brian's Home Blog said...

That was very nice and I hope thinks are going well with you. Purrs and hugs.

Connie said...

Our plans don't always work out with what God has in store for us. I know that's true. I'm sorry if you are disappointed in recent happenings, but I hope whatever is in your future will be something much better. Love the quote at the end of your post. :-)

Susie Swanson said...

This is a great quote and something I really needed today..thank you so much..Susie

Kay Dennison said...

When I have given up faith, it always tracks me down. The day it doesn't, I'll know the end is near.

Jeanie said...

A very thoughtful reminder for all of us to keep our faith alive...at all times. The quote is really great.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great post, Tracy, and a lot of truth in your words... BUT--what caught my attention was the quote at the end... That is AWESOME... Thanks!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Beautiful writing today honey. I so needed to read this.
Glad you shared this with us and the quote too
Love
Maggie

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Having enough faith has been a concern of mine for so long. Thank you for voicing the many doubts that I'm sure many of us have. Very lovely writing, and a great quote. Letting go of "the need to have a sense of control" is soooo difficult!

Just Be Real said...

This was great. I like the three answers from God Tracy. Safe hugs to you dear one.

Catherine said...

That photo breaks my heart!

Sending you hugs Tracy to keep faith!
xo Catherine

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

It's definitely part of what makes us human.

Rita said...

Beautiful post and love that quote; a keeper. Easier said than done in the real world; I know, it sounds easy, but...
Sending good vibes your way Tracy.
Rita

My Mind's Eye said...

I think my biggest fault is lack of patience. I've gotten better with age but I still struggle with myself on wanting things 'right now'.
Garth Brooks has a song that I keep in my head. The song is Unanswered Prayers.
Hugs C

Out on the prairie said...

i god bless everyone i work with before I leave them

June said...

What a wonderful post Tracy!!!!!!!!!
I have many prayers answered (3) I have a better plan for you. And as luck would have it...He was so right. I remember pleading with God that He would heal my sweet son because I didn't think I could do it and He didn't (not yet anyway)but what He did do was made me stronger so I COULD do it. I hate it when my world gets shook up and my prayers aren't answered right away with a yes, but I do have faith enough to know that they will be answered in the way that will help me most.
But, sometimes I just want things my way (and that is usually always the easy way :-)
Thank you for this lovely post!
hugs from here...

MunirGhiasuddin said...

This post is so beautiful that I actually wrote down Emmanuel Teney's words so I can remember. It seems that it is so true specially in my case. Thanks for sharing:)

Nancy said...

I'm glad that you are working to resolve this age-old dilemma, Tracy. :)

Kea said...

I read this but let it go, because "faith" is such a sticky word, so many religious overtones and I don't adhere to any organized religion. After my split with my ex, many years ago now, I still had "faith" that the universe/cosmic forces would work things out, that I wouldn't have to travel my path alone.

After a foolish rebound (and we're all foolish at that time in our lives--lol), I lost my "faith" in love.

And eleven years later, walking my own path of solitude (which has pluses and minuses), I cannot say I have "faith" in anything or any higher Being or even non-personal cosmic forces.

But I also know that none of us--not one of us--knows what Absolute Reality is, or if there *is* Absolute Reality at all. If someone's "faith" in a higher power or deity gets them through their days, all the more power to them.

Because in the end, I don't think it matters a whit. All that matters is how you cope with Life, and what you believe that you make reality.

Peace and Blessings,

Kim

Corine Moore said...

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I'll pray for you...