LBY week 8

Faith Fights!!

We studied the quality of faithfulness last week. Many of us know Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." NIV. A very simple definition. However, as often the case with Bible verses, there is alot more to it than meets the eye. We learned that the faithfulness of God is rooted in His steadines, steadfastness, honesty, and certianty. In other words His faithfulness is His Believability. We can believe everything He says, because He is faithful in everything he does. We can know.

Many times our faith is increased going through trials. God could deliver us out of it, but in His Infinite Wisdom, He chooses to walk us through it so that we can see His faithfulness and witness His beliveability (Deu 31:6, Jos 1:5, Heb 13:5) When asking why, I am often reminded that He doesn't think like I do (Is 55:8). Sometimes He lets the ship run aground But He alsway has a destination in mind for us. (Acts 27:28 - 28:10)

I have seen this in my own life recently. This time last year we had two incomes and found if difficult to make ends meet. We were always waiting on that next paycheck to pay a bill or do something. We were trusting that to come. However, when I chose to stay at home that, voluntarily cut out one of those sure paychecks. We still had something to rely on, though, Hubby's paycheck, my Pampered Chef, even some stored away in savings. Little by little however those things we relied on have drifted away. Hubby lost his job, our savings dwindled, I quit working hard with my Pampered Chef, etc. It is through this that God has taught me that Every thing I have comes from Him. It is Him I have to rely on to provide for me and my family. And what is more He knows what I NEED better than I do. I tend to confuse wants with needs. And as for our destination. A year ago, we were still looking at seminary as being something out there, off in the distance of our future. We didn't know when or how we could get things taken care of so that we would actually get there, a calling both of us know and have known for a long time. But through these hard times He has shown us way to make that calling a real part of our lives. We are now waiting on our psycological evaluation so that we can take those steps. All in God's time. Who know where I will be this time next year, God does. And I am relying on Him to order my steps to get there.

Further in our study we learned what part faith takes in our own Spiritual armor. It is the shield that quenches the flaming arrows of the enemy. It is put out there to stop everything our enemy throws at us. I loved Beth's statement that the enemy was mostly just mouth. Satan is described as a lion roaming about seeking whom to devour. We need to take our example from Daniel whose faith shut the mouths of the lions. Think about it, with his mouth shut Satan can not only not devour us but can't he say anything either!

How many times in the last few weeks has Satan reminded me of the bills that are due, or the gas I need for my van or how much I'd like to take a break from cooking and go out to eat. It is those times I need to get down on my knees and lift my shield of faith to quench those arrows.

Addie	Heather*	Carol
M	Rach	Jeana
Jenn	Amanda	MamaB
GiBee	Boomama	Maria
Blair	Heather	Nancy
Janna	Flipflop	Robin
Sherry	Patricia	Tara
Lauren	HolyMama!	Faith
Christy	Eph2810	Karin
Leann	Rachel	Janice
This is a list of the women participating in the study and the links to their blogs. New postings on the study will be published for the next ten weeks, between Friday 8pm - Saturday 8am. Please feel free to visit each of us and comment. Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion as we seek to live beyond ourselves. May God bless you richly from the hearing of His word.