The Search for Faith
Greetings and good morning, brothers and sisters. This is Dr. James Perry continuing with our series, where we seek to explore the deeper meanings of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years the Heavenly Father has revealed many revelations of spiritual truth to me, and I want to share them with you. This morning we will ponder our lives as we seek to search for faith. Sometimes when we turn our lives over to God, we do so in the midst of devastating trouble. As we struggle, we become bewildered, filled with doubt, and wonder if God is with us. Our ears long to hear words of comfort and assurance, but we must proceed with and in faith. We strain and strain, doubts sweeping away our peace and assurance.
And now, sit back and listen to today's message.
The Search for Faith
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." John, Chapter 14, Verse 1.
" I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John, Chapter 16, Verse 33.
As the struggle unfolds in ever increasing depths, as my soul and mind strain under the dividing forces assaulting it, the unifying force of eternity looks down with tender loving care, whispering softly to my soul: "Child, don't worry about it. I am with you, and if I am with you, everything will not only turn out all right, but it will turn out infinitely better." Above the sound of the battle and beyond the human mind, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, soothes and heals the ever-increasing moral wounds to my soul with the healing power of love.
As the battles are fought and the soldiers of my mind and soul fall, first winning one battle, next losing one battle but never gaining the upper hand, my soul is stunned by the rapidly turning tides of reason. My main weapon of logic has failed to fire. It is useless in such a struggle.
I am filled with questions and empty of answers. Still no solutions appear. But behind the scene and amidst the battle the Lord declares "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Through pain-seared eyes,I search for Him. I feel His presence everywhere and yet nowhere. My mind struggles to break through the barrier between me and God. I search for the spiritual meanings of my human war. I attempt to look to the future, even into eternity, and always does the Comforter beckon me into areas of undiscovered truth.
Always does the light of truth encourage me in my struggle. "Come to me with your burdens. Learn of me. Take my yoke, for it is light, and easy to bear, and I will give you rest, spiritual strength." He says, "be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world, and you can too. Your cross is your cross bear it willingly and without complaining. Believe in God and believe in me, and through it you will overcome the world, too."
I will not despair over the human difficulties I find myself in for they will pass away. But the truth of His words will never pass away. I will seek God's guidance in all that I do. I will fight the battle as best I know how. I will forget about winning and losing for there is no defeat in Him, there is only everlasting victory. I will not worry about making mistakes or trying to figure out on my own what is best. I will put my trust in God and move forward. I will not worry about going to the left or to the right. With God I can only go in one direction--the direction that leads to perfection and the presence of Him. "Knock and the door shall be opened," he says. "Ask and you shall receive." "Seek you the Kingdom of Heaven first, and all other things needful will be given to you."
And though my heart oftentimes grows heavy and sorrowful, I will go on. I cannot duck this challenge, for I well know that growth does not take place without human and spiritual trials and tribulations. And though I feel I cannot bear the strain of this struggle, just as I have borne other burdens and have been torn by other conflicts, I will overcome these challenges also. He is with me through all time and eternity. What the turns, detours, and difficulties are that lie ahead I do not know. But of the destination I am sure.
Having paid the price of faith, I ride in the boat of Christ. I know the boat's destination as well as I know my name. I know I have saved hard for the price of faith. Yes, faith is my connection with Him. I know that He knows what I am going through. Although at times my mind is full of confusion and turmoil. His mind is full of order and peace. I will allow my mind to be like the mind that is in Him. What I must get through to my mind is that it is not so much what action that I take as that I take some action. Any decision will do.
What happens if I make the wrong decision? What about the consequences? Well, since I am in Christ I cannot be but so far off the mark. I might even be dead center, but how can I be certain?
I must believe in God and I do. There are many adventures I must go through and from where I sit
my view is not very clear. From where the Lord is, he can see forever.
This concludes today's message on an adventure in faith. We hope you find something in this
message to ponder and pray about as you go about your day. Until next time, this is Dr. James Perry.
Your Kingdom Come,Your Will Be Done!.
Inspirational Messages
By Dr. James Perry
The Search for Faith.
