If faith comes by hearing God’s promises and then walking them out in our own lives . . . why is this so difficult to do? Why do we have such a hard time trusting that God’s in control? I’ll tell you why, because things aren't going the way we think they should, that’s why!

Totally trusting in God—no matter what’s happening—is by far the most difficult part of being human. Trusting in Him no matter where you are or what you’re doing, no matter how contrary things are to what you might have planned, no matter if you absolutely hate your situation, to just hold tight and keep the faith can seem impossible!

If we trust God, truly trust Him—really believe that He always puts our welfare first and foremost—we must learn to always take Him at His word. It doesn't matter what’s happening in our life, even if things seem to be taking forever, we must know deep in our heart that God will come through!

Just keep fishing . . .

The story of Peter coming in from a long night of fishing without so much as one stinking fish is a great story of faith . . . the kind of faith we all need to develop. Peter was dead tired from fishing all night and was feeling very dejected, the last thing he wanted to do was go back out, even farther out to sea and drop his nets again! But that was exactly what Jesus told him to do . . . so he did. Yes, he grumbled a little but did it nevertheless.

He took Jesus at His word. He walked it out. He went back out believing that Jesus had his best interest at heart. Peter knew Jesus, he had a close relationship with Him, he knew Jesus always kept His word, so he obeyed and pushed out into the deep. He simply took God at His word. And good thing too, because he caught so many fish the boat was overflowing, so many they filled an entire second boat. Luke 5:4-9

I want to be astonished! I really do. I want God to shock me with a mega miracle! Guess that means I need to take Jesus at His word and just trust Him. Don't ever give up, just trust and obey and then see how He always comes through!

I love this story because it shows us a real life example of faith. It also shows us that faith takes us out into the deep, what I like to call the faith realm. This is that uncomfortable place that God urges us to go, that deep, uncertain leap of faith place. This is where faith grows.

Oh, Lord, I truly want that kind of faith, especially when I’m tired and dejected. I want to trust You when all is lost, when there is no hope left . . . to still be willing to walk into the darkness and know You will prevail.