An Emboldened Faith!

At which point in a young girl’s life does she wonder if she made the right decision?

Maybe, it was saying yes to the first date she ever had at 17 years old whilst keeping it a secret from her parents.

Perhaps it was during that one particularly windy day, standing atop a 40-foot bridge, hearing the cheers of her adrenaline junkied friends, screaming— just jump, Mady!

Or it could have been during those years when she was juggling two internships and a part-time job, all the while being a failing full-time student.

Not to mention the many other failed choices, she otherwise might have made, in the midst of her immaturity.

Choices are made, whether deliberately or otherwise unknowingly. The outcome of these choices can either be good or consequential consequences. Learning to cope or grow is, in and of itself, one’s own choice. Funny how the older this chick gets, the more past reflection reveals an inaptitude of sustainable faith and ungratefulness.

In the Bible, the apostles were sustained in faith, fully dedicated to serving the Kingdom of God by walking in the will of the Father and humbly being a servant for others. This temptation for self-elevation, victimhood, social comparison, posture of entitlement and human gratification often leads to a spiral of depression. According to Mental Health America, 20.7% of youth (12-17 yrs.) in the U.S. reported experiencing at least one Major Depressive Episode (MDE) with severe impairment, which in turn, impacted their routines at home, work, or school. In young adults (18-25 yrs.), studies and statistics show there is a high prevalence in experiencing major depressive episodes than any other age group.

Why are young adults more highly likely to experience major depressive episodes? I have no idea.

Too many variables and contextual situations to consider! As a young adult who has battled with depression, I often find myself wondering and reflecting on faith. A beautiful word derived from transcendent thought and from religious texts to give hope in the bleakest of circumstances to humanity. It is this word which sustained biblical figures to continue moving forward, despite their circumstances! It is this word, which emboldened histories martyr’s unto their death— to die for the Gospel. It is this word, which is sought after as an emotion, but commanded and in relationship to obedience of God’s Word.

And yet, it is this word, which seems to be the easiest word, to replace when times ‘get rough’.

Maybe I should have stayed in California and not given into my fears. Or maybe it was in the Lord’s will for me to come to Arkansas.

But hypothetical situations last for only so long and ‘what if’s’ will not sustain ambition. What is the point of this post? To serve as a reminder and encouragement for all who read this and relate.

If you have been feeling tired, reflecting on your past mistakes and regretting the choices you made, shackled to hypothetical ‘what if’s’, believing you are deserving of punishment, constant thoughts of social comparison, feeling like you are stuck, wondering what your purpose is and trying to figure it all out while keeping your head above water; you are not alone!

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” I find there is often a misconception when it comes to the western church interpreting this piece of living wisdom in scripture. Does this text relate the symbolism of the cross to be one of a believer’s interpersonal burden? I do not believe so, rather historical context guides scholars and commentaries to view the symbolism of the cross, during the time of Jesus’ ministry, as one signifying death. This idea of carrying an existential burden, in order to follow Christ, is inaccurate and just plain, silly.

And yet, are burden’s the continuous construct which often weigh on our hearts? Whether it be due to our view of an unfulfilling job, lack of relationship, physical illness, self-consciousness, etc— self-contempt is the consequence of an unsustainable faith.

Allow this to be an additional reminder and interpersonal reflection.

Matthew 11: 28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If we believe the Word of God is easy and brings rest to our souls, then why do we continue to carry our burdened yokes? One reason might come in the form of self-punishment, maybe we deserve carrying our faults, as we are not worthy to serve the Kingdom when all we do is continuously fail His will for us.

At least, this was the lens I had begun to adopt over the last few years.

My reason for writing this? Because I know there are others, who have felt like giving up, and continuously wander in the “what could have been”.

This is the encouragement I have received today and wish to impart: you are seen, you are loved, and the Lord’s plan is always in motion.

You and I, we need sustainable faith that is going to transcend this earthly lens of hopelessness and self-sustainability— a faith-filled lens completely transforming the way in which we live our lives! The time to be prayer warriors in workforces, godly women who fear the Lord in front of their children, and encouraging wives; serving our husbands whilst being bold in the faith is now. The time to be stewards of the faith, boldly proclaiming the power of the scripture over others, is now. The time to encourage our brothers in Christ in their faith, speaking life into their God-given gifts, and covering them in intercessory prayer is now. The time to continuously see the Father as loving and kind, despite having no romantic prospects or interests, is now.

Faith is sustained when we embody the scriptures, understanding in both heart and mind, and living it out by walking in complete obedience every day. And yet, how can one walk in obedience if they do not undoubtedly trust the Word of God?

Trusting the Father is required and this means allowing yourself to loosen the control, you believe, you hold over your own life.

If you aren’t convinced or forgot, remember, the One who knows every single hair on your head will be there to hold and sustain your unbelief. Jesus did not let Peter fall into the sea when his doubt swayed his faith. In the same way, the Father will catch you, so go pick up that Bible which might be collecting dust. It doesn’t matter where you start, but take time- 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 17 minutes (it doesn’t matter how long)- to be with the Father.

And let’s take a journey looking at this emboldening word ‘faith’, together! Great place to start, Hebrews chapter 11.