“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:4-5

Muddy Faith

Part 2

Yesterday I wrote of the condemnation I took on because it seemed my faith was too weak to avoid discouragement, frustration, and worry. Today I will share what God taught me.

I think of Jesus’ ministry. Born in a stable, coming in water and blood. Working with lepers, dirty feet, needy people, experiencing a horrific and degrading death. Jesus wasn’t trying to “rise above” what was around Him—instead, He walked right into the thick of it and spoke Good News. That’s the boots-on-the-ground kind of faith that overcomes the world.

So here’s where I was wrong about faith. I thought my faith was lacking because I was weary and sad over what was going on. I thought if I had faith enough, I wouldn’t feel beat down at the end of another day of struggle.

But now I see that faith is supposed to be muddy. It is what I take with me into each struggle, every day. The purpose of faith is not to make me emotionally untouchable in hard times, but emotionally available to spread the hope of Jesus. It is a firm resolution that Jesus is King, over every situation, no matter what I see, hear, or feel. My weariness each night in that season was a sign that I hadn’t quit. I was still returning every day, in faith, to the field He had called me to. And that is a faith that can move a mountain one day.

Faith is like that little boy’s sweater. I wear my faith each day into the muck of life. I interact with the problems around me and love the people I come in contact with. It takes faith to keep up the good fight. It takes no faith to try to “rise above” the problems and emotions and distance yourself. Are you weary? Take heart—muddy faith overcomes the world.

Side note: That precious, muddy little boy went home that night. His mother bathed him, washed his clothes, and tucked him in for bed. The next day, he was back at school, in fresh clean clothes, ready to play again. So, too, we must go to our Abba Father and be cleansed and renewed and re-clothed every day. Otherwise it will be impossible for us to go back out to the people and places we are called to, and be effective. Without spending time getting washed in His presence, we will end up getting caked in muck which hardens, and we’ll lose the luster of our light.

 “Lord, help me to have a faith that is willing to deal with the tough stuff of life. Thank You for reminding me that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  Please help me to be salt and light to those around me, even amidst difficulty. In Jesus name, Amen.”