This morning I am a bit overwhelmed by several of these things that fan fear and angst. I had to stop myself and take a deep breath walking up the stairs at work. My thoughts like a gut punch, I had to just be still for a moment and take a slow, deep breath.
Bent a little and gripping to the side rails up the stairs a phrase of scripture wafted through my brain. "...things not seen..."
I know the verse it comes from, I recite it to myself quickly:
Hebrews 11:1
Now if I am going to be honest, I must confess that as much as I treasure this scripture and accept it as truth, I also find it one of the hardest things to do a s Christian, to be the champion of "things not seen." But it is in fact as Christians a large part of our calling, because so much, dare I say most, of the essence of our faith is UNSEEN.
In the midst of difficulty and tragedy even, we as Christians hold to a promise that (even this) "All things work together for good for those that love God." We hold to it over sickbeds, in prayer over wayward children, at the loss of jobs, homes, marriages, family members. We stand in faith holding on to the promise we cannot see yet fulfilled.
It's good that with our brothers and sisters we can stand together on the "unseen." But it is challenging when we stand before those who hold no hope of Christ. I think it is the challenge of our faith, and yet perhaps also the essence of it. In the perplexity of those who do not share our beliefs, might it not rise up an envy or admiration for a peace they cannot comprehend? In some ways, I think perhaps that is the goal. Too woo those who do not know the truth, who long for a peace that surpasses understanding (of what is seen) and settles in the heart of those who believe and stand on what is not.
I think that's why we are told "perfect peace" is kept for those whose mind is fixed on God (Isaiah 26:3). Who in all practicality is also "unseen."
Sometimes I am tempted to pray (or guilty of praying) "God give me a sign. Show me something that gives me hope." And as I type that it occurs to me, I think God's answer is simply, "Look at Me."
That's what I did when I stood back up straight and walked the rest of the way up the stairs. I took my eyes off of all that felt like the gut punch and looked to what I cannot see with my physical eyes, but I know to be real and true to the very depth of my being: God, His Word, His promises.
As I look ahead, I stand as the dichotomy of flesh and spirit - everything in my "self" that sees reason and justification to fear and doubt is silenced by my soul who knows intimately well the goodness and faithfulness of God, the truthfulness of His promises and the Hope that IS in the person of Christ.
Things not seen.... Beautiful.
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