Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Remember His Faithfulness


I sit here in my office and stare at a picture of me and my husband which sits on my desk.


The picture was taken a month before he departed for his first deployment. A photo session offered by a friend became much more than a photo session. The photos captured tender moments between the two of us knowing our See-You-Later moment neared.

There are other pictures scattered around my desk too.




Our last gathering as a family happened in August 2013. It feels like many moons ago.

Soon we will gather again to welcome home our eldest son from his deployment. When I daydream about the day (which I do often) it leads to tears every single time.

At the same time, there’s much remembering these days. I remember the good and not-so-good seasons of the twenty six years with my husband and raising two children together. The not-so-good seasons are preferred forgotten. But God has us remember to see His faithfulness. Like He did with the Israelites, He wants us to remember how He delivered us.

We preserve our faith and trust in God by remembering His grace in our lives. And we make His grace known for generations to come. It’s what brings me here to tell our story.

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.” ~~ Deuteronomy 4:9

Oh, the grace . . . undeserved grace.

We have experienced our share of trials and temptations. In our four years as Christ followers, our faith has been challenged and it will continue to be challenged for years to come.

For this reason we “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). We fight for our faith always, not only in the not-so-good times.

How do we fight for our faith?

We fight for our faith by remembering. We remember that God did not promise a trouble free walk with Him. We are promised the direct opposite by Jesus in John 16:33. He does promise to walk us through the storms of life toward an eternal life with Him.

“Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” ~~ 1 Timothy 6:12

I keep identifying with the Israelites.

In Leviticus 9 when the glory of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites (v. 23) it says they “shouted for joy and fell facedown” (v. 24).


Whether I look back or look forward, I see the glory of the Lord. For God is in all things. He’s omniscient: past, present and future. He is Immanuel, God with us. What else should our response be to such grace other than to fall on our knees with shouts of joy?

And “though [we] have not seen him, [we] love him; and even though [we] do not now see him now, [we] believe in him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy, for [we] are receiving the end result of [our] faith, the salvation of [our] souls.” ~~ 1 Peter 1:8-9

This is faith: Faith is belief in the one and only true God without actually seeing Him.

So, again, how do we fight for our faith?

We believe even though we do not see Him.
We remember His faithfulness in bringing us this far.
And we trust Him with the un-known future.

Trust requires us to put aside our own desires for His. We deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23) because He has proven Himself faithful. We have come to know His ways are far better than our ways.

When we fight for our faith the result is a deeper and more intimate walk with Him. Oh, how He wants us to know Him. And there's always more for us to know. We are never complete in the task of knowing Him.


Knowing God makes all the difference no matter what we face, for over time our faith becomes bigger than our fears. And when God leads us straight into our deepest fear we are better equipped to trust that He knows what He's doing. We can respond to His call saying: "I will follow you no matter the cost because my trust is in You."

This is why we can consider it “pure joy” when we face trials, because we know the testing of our faith produces perseverance (James 1:2).

So “Let perseverance finish its work so that [we] may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~~ James 1:3

How do you fight for your faith? How do you persevere during trials?

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67 comments :

  1. This was very encouraging this morning! Struggling to have faith God is working in one particular area of my life- Thank you! :)

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    1. Thank you for your visit. I am glad you found this post encouraging. Blessings to you.

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  2. The more I choose to trust, the greater my faith becomes. So, when I am facing challenges I fight for my faith by choosing to trust Him. Then, by staying connected with Him through prayer, His word, contemplation of Him, worship, study, I can persevere because His strength is sustaining! I guess the key for me, Beth, is focus. Focus on Him and all that is good even when things are stormy around me!

    Love you, Joan

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    1. Good stuff, Joan. Staying connected with Him makes such a difference doesn't it? The routine I have established of quality time in His word every morning has transformed my ability to trust Him more and rely on Him for His strength instead of my own. Thanks for sharing, friend. Love you. xoxo

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  3. Beth,
    Visiting from Holley's link-up - what lovely photos of your family! I love all of the truths you shared about walking in faith -- thank you for this encouraging post! :)

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    1. Thank you, Valerie. It's always wonderful to see you here. Blessings.

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  4. "Knowing God makes all the difference no matter what we face." What truth in these words. Sometimes I too would like to forget the marriage struggles we faced, but I know those struggles have made our marriage stronger because God's grace has filled in those cracks and firmed up our foundation built on Him.

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    1. "God's grace has filled in those cracks and firmed up our foundation built on Him." <<< I so love the way you said that, Crystal. Thank you so much for visiting and for sharing. Blessings to you.

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  5. I am so glad you were my neighbor over at Kristin's this morning. What a journey of faith you have been on these last four years - glad your son will be home soon! xo

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    1. Thank you, Susan. We are counting down the days until we are all together again. Blessings to you. xoxo

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  6. Dear Beth ... these black and white shots capture the love, joy, and commitment in your family. It's like a private peak into your heart. I feel honored that you've shared this little album with us today.

    And yes, His faithfulness is what brings that glow that shines and sparkles, black and white.

    Hugs, dear friend.

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    1. Thank you, sweet friend. You always encourage my heart with your comments. So blessed to know you in this online world. Much love. xoxo

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  7. "Whether I look back or look forward, I see the glory of the Lord. For God is in all things. He’s omniscient: past, present and future. He is Immanuel, God with us. What else should our response be to such grace other than to fall on our knees with shouts of joy?" Amen! Amen to all of this. Remember and trust- that's what gets us through! Love this and love you, Beautiful lady ;)

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    1. Oh, I just love you, Lauren. Truly!! Such a blessing to call you friend. (((hugs)))

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  8. Amen. Marriage takes work--but so does our relationship with God. Just as I am not the same person that my husband vowed to remain faithful to 26 years ago, I am not the same person who committed my life to God in baptism 36 years ago. I have grown closer to both God and to my husband through intentional relationship building, leaning and learning from the other, and making a conscious decision to stick with the other no matter what.

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    1. Such encouragement in your comment, Anita. Thank you SO much for visiting and for sharing. We truly are never done with getting to know Him and our spouse. There is always more . . . more ways for us to learn and grow from one another. Blessings to you.

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  9. What a great post! You, my friend, are so incredibly strong to share these thoughts and feelings here. I just could not quit reading! I am visiting from the Three Words link-up :)

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Bethany, and for visiting today. Blessings to you.

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  10. What a awesome and encouraging post!!!! I love the pictures of your family. You are a beautiful example of the love of Christ!!!!
    xoxo
    Stacey

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    1. Thank you, Stacey. So wonderful to see you here today. I will be stopping by for a visit a little later. xoxo

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  11. Beautiful pictures!
    I think God has to often remind me He is there in a trial. It may take time to remember to trust. Hopefully I will one day get there sooner!

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    1. Thank you. Stick with Him . . . the trust in Him grows over time. Blessings to you.

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  12. I forget sometimes that you haven't spent your life as a Christ-follower. You're faith amazes me and you encourage me so. I loved seeing your face at #ThreeWordWednesday and I'm so grateful to be in community with you. I can't wait to hug you later THIS YEAR. So grateful your family is having its reunion soon. I adore you. xoxo

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    1. I just love you so much!!!!!!! Thank you, friend. I so love being in community with you. I am counting down the days until we meet in August. Love you. xoxo

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  13. Hi Beth - It's been a long time since I've been able to visit. Imagine my surprise when I went to link up with you on ThreeWordWednesday, and found the link had a new home (with a lovely hostess, I might add). I had to check back on your site and backtrack some of the changes. So, you sound like you're doing GREAT! I am thrilled to know your husband is back safely, and I pray for the safe return of your son and for ya'll to make wonderful memories during your upcoming family time. I am excited for you and your direction and dedication to go deeper into the Word. It is obvious that God is working in your life. I am looking forward to reading your new insights as you get the opportunity to share. Hugs! Janet

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    1. Hello Janet! How wonderful to see you again. :) I am glad you found your way to Kristin's place. She is indeed a lovely hostess. Thank you so much for taking the time to catch up here. God is so good!! I look forward to coming by and catching up at your place. Blessings to you. xoxo

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  14. Hi Beth,
    Oh how thankful I am that we have the amazing blessing of our Saviour walking by our side, and before us. I sure couldn't manage anything without Him.

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  15. Amen Sister! Wow, this is such grace and such power as faith and truth take on the reality of example. Beautiful, my friend. May your upcoming reunion bring all kinds of joy and sweetness! I'm pinning this to Planting Roots deployment board today. XOXO

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    1. Thank you, Ginger. Your encouragement means so much to me. Thank you for all the ways you are encouraging military spouses. God bless you. And thanks for the pin. xoxo

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  16. By standing on the truth of God's word and His promises - just as you preach, my friend! Nicely done!

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    1. Oh, friend, you are so in my thoughts and prayers. Love you so much. xoxo

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  17. Awesome post and scriptures. I admire your faith walk!

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  18. Beth, I absolutely love this. Your heart completely shines through your words. I'm so glad you're sharing your story of God's faithfulness in your marriage. It truly is a gift. I, too, fight for my faith by remembering and also by holding on to the truth of his Word. When doubt and fear try to overtake me, I repeat my go-to verses over and over. Much love to you, friend. xoxo

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    1. Thank you, Abby, for your sweet words of encouragement. I have been spending much time this past month focusing on His promises . . . it leaves me in awe so often of how much He loves us. Oh how blessed we are. I am grateful for your friendship in this beautiful online world. Much love to you. xoxo

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  19. Your amazing testimony of God's work in you and your husband is such a blessing. I'm so thankful that your family will all be together soon.

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth. It's always a special treat when you stop by for a visit. Blessings to you.

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  20. I would never ask for a trial but I know each one that has come my way has strengthen my faith in Him. It seems I talk less to Him and listen more from a heart level. I find I am not asking much anymore for I need little outside of Him. And I don't feel that burning to gain more knowledge but a passion to walk what I already know. I fight for my faith by resting and trusting and not trying to bring things about in my own way and timing. Great post...

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    1. Thanks for your visit and for sharing, Betty. I pray we all keep that passion to walk in His truth and promises. Blessings to you.

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  21. Beth,
    Please pray for me...having some real doubts about whether God wants me to keep writing or not... I know you"get" this.
    Love and ((hugs)),
    Bev

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    1. You have been in my thoughts and prayers, sweet friend. Love you. xoxo

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  22. I had to pause and think on this.. " when we fight for our faith ...". Love this. It is a continual battle for us, but sometimes I wonder if we try to hard? Do we fight against something that isn't really there, like the wall we think separates us from God so that we can be on a level of intimacy that shuts out the world's voice? Because, sometimes I feel like that is where I fight... an up close contending to shut out the world's loud speaker over the tender quiet voice of the One who already defeated the enemy and has won the battle. And I wonder why I continue to fight?!

    You made me think Beth. ;) Love that! ( and you, too!)
    Blessings,
    Dawn

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    1. I love how you make me ponder things, Dawn. You help me to go deeper. Thank you for that. Love you. xoxo

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  23. Hi Beth! What beautiful ohotos on your desk...reminders of the gifts God has give you.
    I really liked your reflection on 'fighting for faith' because it often is a fight. My human self often wants to give up, and settle for whatever my body or mind wants at the time. But it's always so shallow and useless.
    Hanging in there with faith is a lot harder, but that's what lasts. That's where the love is.
    You are inspiring me today to keep plugging away. To never give up, and to always look up!
    Always great to be here my friend,
    Ceil

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    1. I am so grateful for how we can encourage one another in our walks. This just really spoke to me, Ceil >>> "Hanging in there with faith is a lot harder, but that's what lasts. That's where the love is." That's where the love is. Amen! Thank you for your friendship, Ceil. xoxo

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  24. Your words also reminded me of the verse from 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Fighting for our faith is allowing God to always take the lead. It is making less of ourselves so God can shine in all we do. It is hard work but it so rewarding. Beautiful post Beth! Blessed by your family pictures and love you dearly friend!

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    1. Letting God lead . . . I know we can mess this up but when we do allow Him to lead . . . oh so much better! Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. Much love. xoxo

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  25. Faith is remembering...yes!! I have to remind myself of this when I forget and feel my faith faltering. Remember, Alecia, I say. Remember how He has carried you and answered prayers. Just remember. I am reading through Deuteronomy. It's been a while. But my eyes are seeing things for the first time! And I'm soaking it all in like a sponge. A lot of the Israelites problem is they couldn't remember the goodness and faithfulness of God...if only they would have remembered they would have saved themselves 40 years of wilderness dwelling.

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    1. Those Israelites . . . and we can be much like them, can't we. Quick to forget all the ways He has remained faithful. Leaves me so grateful He doesn't give up on us. Thank you for sharing, Alecia. Blessings to you. xoxo

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  26. Wow, friend.This is lovely. I needed this today. It's not always easy fighting for my faith but it's worth it. Keeping my eyes on Him is the only way I can do it. Love your words and your heart. Thanks for blessing me today.

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  27. Beth, Beth...there is so much here and the truths you share have hit me as I am coming to grips with my aging process in this earthly life. I was able, just last night, to share with my husband some fears and some realities of what I am feeling as this body changes. My mind is clear and I praise the Lord. My body changes and that is hard for me who once hiked and skied and did cartwheels and backbends.
    But, my husband and I had a wonderful heart-to-heart as we clung to the Lord. He is walking us through these years as He has through other pieces and places in my life (when I let Him). I trust Him and must stand steadfast on the truth of Who He is.
    I love the Deut. 4 Scripture with ."...keep your soul diligently...." That is how for He takes and accepts me as I am. He never leaves me nor forsakes me for I am His.
    Thank you, Beth.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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    1. Linda, I always appreciate the way you share your openly with me. It touches my heart in profound ways. And you inspire me so in my own walk with Christ to allow Him to heal those places that still need healing. Much love to you, friend. xoxo

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  28. Love all these sweet photos of you and your family. So beautiful, Beth. And i pray that you all have the sweetest reunion. My middle son lives on the West Coast and the missing can be so intense sometimes! When you write about remembering the bad and God's faithfulness that is so true. We can't live there anymore but we look back over our shoulder to see what God has done for us, the remember the lessons the hard times taught, and then to carry these insights and experiences forward in the stories we share. Bless you, my friend. So glad we have connected!!

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    1. Thank you, Sheila. I am so very glad we have connected. God is good! Wishing you blessings upon blessings. xoxo

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  29. Your lovely photos bring tears to my eyes knowing the faith that has undoubtedly brought you through. So thankful for your husband and son and for the family supporting them with faith and love. Sometimes fighting for my faith has involved a letting go, getting out of God's way so He can move those mountains, restore my soul, increase my faith.

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    1. Letting go and getting out of God's way . . . good wisdom right there, Mindy. Thank you so much for stopping by and for sharing. Blessings to you.

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  30. Beth, upon reading my email that I sent you today, I think you'll have an idea how deeply this spoke to me today. Oh, how you speak to me desperately-needed words of deep encouragement. This line reached me especially:

    "We fight for our faith by remembering."

    Yes. These days lately are seemingly one battle after another. And I am wearied. But, I know that I am not alone. I've been pondering Lamentations 3 in the last few days. Jeremiah cried out words of great anguish and pain, agony over loss, and no doubt felt defeated. But these words are what I hold on to, and echo with my heart:

    "Yet I still dare to hope
    when I remember this:
    The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
    Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
    I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

    Remembering is crucial - it is the way that the Holy Spirit reminds us and rearms us with the assurance of God's steadfast faithfulness, and the victory that has already been won.

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. You bless me more than I can express, Sharon. You have no idea how excited I am to soon meet you in person. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers. (((hugs)))

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  31. I'm going to be honest here - I'm not ready to really, really "count it as pure joy" when these challenges come that take us from Glory to Glory - but I will say that I understand now how they take me challenge by challenge from Glory to Glory - and that I try to live God's grace, peace and joy in those challenges - from shear determination and not giving up. I can even manage a bit of a sense of humor about the challenges because I recognize what they are. However, I'm not quite ready to run to the gate and welcome them like a long, lost friend by flinging myself into a bear hug - but I can meet those challenges at the gate and accept the journey with assurance and know that some of the most important moments of my life will happen within that journey. However - I will, after reading your post, work a bit harder on counting it joy!!!

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    1. Oh, I'm still working at it too. It's a process, isn't it? I am so grateful He never gives up on us. Thanks for sharing so honestly with us, Maryleigh. God bless you.

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  32. So much hits home with me here, Beth. But especially these:
    "We preserve our faith and trust in God by remembering His grace in our lives."

    "Knowing God makes all the difference no matter what we face, for over time our faith becomes bigger than our fears."

    I want my faith to continue to outgrow my fears (and I do have quite a bit of fears!). Thanks for sharing this. I'm excited your family will all be together again soon!

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    1. Thank you, Lisa. I am so glad the post resonated with you. And thank you for sharing in my excitement to have my family together again soon. Blessings to you.

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  33. Very much needed to hear this message today, thank you :) I've been struggling with not-so-perfect memories that I wish would just go away... and today's post reminded me of exactly where my focus needs to be: on God and gratitude :) sending hugs xo

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    1. Jessica, I do so love when you come for a visit. You are one of my first blogging friends, you know? I am lifting you up in prayer . . . praying for God to bring peace to your heart. Sending hugs right back to you. Blessings. xoxo

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  34. Please thank you men folks for serving...greatly appreciated! I have family in the military and appreciate each one.

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