I was late in learning how to “walk in faith”, by which I mean–walk in faith with and IN the Lord God. 

Having grown up in a rather chaotic-dysfunctional home, I was a worrier–a fearful, doubtful, insecure, confused child.

When I expressed those feelings–concerned about whatever circumstance or event was going on at the moment (or was on the horizon, heading toward me Fast)–the response was far from helpful and reassuring.

I wasn’t taught to have faith in anything–not in my parents, God, or anyone else.  The vague statement frequently handed to me, devoid of comfort: “it will all work out, things always do”. 

Well gosh, how’s that gonna happen, who’s gonna do it?

And church people would quote Bible verses to me about worry as if they worked like a quick-acting sedative, which they didn’t–and follow up with a warning.  In essence, that I shouldn’t do it because worry is “doubt” and doubting was a sin that displeased God very much…which implied consequences ranging from the unpleasant, to more severe…like maybe Hell.

Perhaps my interpretation of their words resulted from the most terrifying nightmare I had as a child (probably age 7) which is burned into my brain.  I still see the scene–the house we lived in, the furniture placement, the stairs leading up to the bedrooms. 

If you can picture yourself standing in the front doorway, the living room is on your left with a “davenport” (sofa/couch) just inside the door.  The staircase is on the right side of the entryway.

In the dream, my parents were seated on the davenport together, silent and relaxed, wearing no expression at all–as my younger siblings and I slowly, in mute obedience, came down the stairs in our pajamas.  We’d been summoned–because the devil had come to take us away.  (And yes, he was in full red suit with pitchfork)

Half a century and more since then, I’m still asking myself why my parents sat like mannequins, allowing this to happen–why they just accepted it, making no defense or plea…as though quite content to have us leave, even or especially in the devil’s company.  What had we done wrong, if anything?

So the concept that God is LOVE and He’d take good care of me–did not fit.

Now, of course, I know how truly, deeply, faithfully He DOES Love me.  He’s proved it in many ways–and led me to great preachers, expert Bible teachers who focus on the Good News of the Gospel, God’s Grace. 

Unfortunately, the Church does not always maintain that focus as its primary message–and people have been wounded by negative doctrines that scare them away from God, instead of drawing them close to Him as refuge and solace.  This is not just sad, in many cases it has tragic results–which is why I try to be one of Christ’s “encouragers”.

So, how did I acquire faith?  How did I go from “not believing, not trusting, not understanding who God really is and all He has for me”–to experiencing the warmth of His loving embrace, and security of His devotion and promises?

The Bible says:

So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. Romans 10:17, AMP

Very simple–search for and listen to “good” preaching (whether in a local church or online); and read the Bible, God’s Word.  There are various translations/versions written in understandable language.  (I’ll be adding a Page with my favorites.)

Also, I began talking to the Lord–that’s all prayer is, having conversations with Him.  In the beginning it was a lot of “why’s” and “where are You’s”…and complaints about how unfair life was.  I’d get angry because He wasn’t doing what I wanted, when I wanted Him to–and then I’d feel guilty and stop talking.  But this brought the first of many revelations about having a “personal relationship” with Jesus.

After I’d been “wallowing” for awhile, He said, “I’m not offended if you’re angry–just don’t stop talking to Me.  Let’s keep the communication going so we can straighten things out, okay?”  (Wow!)

I jabber to Him all day long, now–because in addition to being my Savior and Lord, He really is the true and faithful friend I can always depend on. 

The Father God and Lord Jesus will never fail me–it’s their promise.  And the Bible says God cannot lie*—not, He “will not”.  He cannot, because it’s not in His character.

As I went along, God placed certain people in my path who knew Him intimately and taught me from their personal experiences, as well as their understanding of the Bible.

One was my devout cousin, who recently went Home to Heaven.  She knew how to LOVE Like JESUS loves…Big, Gently, Unconditionally.

The other is my best friend, a sister-in-Christ I met through blogging in 2011.  She’s an extra-special blessing now that my cousin is gone.  Both these women have been saints to walk with me through the learning-growing process. 

Some folks are blessed to grow up in loving Christ-centered families.  But I discovered that if I only had 2 living, breathing angels (half-way across the country), in addition to Jesus, the Father and Holy Spirit–I’d manage just fine!

I’ve seen God work in my life, transforming me from glory to glory*; I’ve received His guidance, answers to prayers, and miracles.  There are areas of my life in which I trust Him implicitly–and some where I’m still growing my faith.  He’s not in a hurry, He knows I’ll “get there”–that’s a huge relief to me!

There are so many promises in His Word…some I’ve not caught the revelation of yet, others I lean on daily.  I probably post too many scriptures, but some might bless you.

Maybe I should apologize for yet another LONG post…but get me talking about my Jesus and it’s hard to stop! Luke 19:40 (AMP) says:  Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these [people] keep silent, the stones will cry out [in praise]!”  

Well–I will NOT be outshouted by rocks!😊

Thanks for reading–enjoy the scriptures that follow, if you wish.  God bless you💖 Vee, 2024

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I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. Phil 1:6, AMP

And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. 2nd Corinth 9:8, AMP

The LORD will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O LORD, endures forever–Psalm 138:8, AMP

*But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2nd Corinth 3:18, NKJV

*So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Heb 6:18, NLT

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Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.Bible Hub

The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.