If you look up the definition of the word, FAITH – You will find it defined as: Resilience, loyalty and complete trust in GOD. This definition reveals that faith isn’t merely a static belief or momentary conviction – BUT it’s a living, dynamic relationship with God that should continuously deepen and expand. But what happens when this growing faith faces trials? What happened when you, encounter “Even though moments”.
I’m talking about, Yes, you believe, Yes you have faith – YET trials occur, a test hit us full force – can I say EVEN THOUGH I’m going through this….I will trust you! We all have “even though” moments in our lives, don’t we? How do some folks just soar above the EVEN THOUGH MOMENTS, while others of us…get deflated, depressed & distressed.
- Even though the doctor’s report isn’t good
- Even though the bank account is empty
- Even though the relationship seems beyond repair
- Even though I’m not pregnant again this month
- Even though that child has walked away from the faith
- Even though, you didn’t get that job
- Even though you were not accepted into that college
- YOU NAME YOUR EVEN THOUGH MOMENT
An “Even Though Moment) (ETM) describes a profound life experience where hope, faith or positive outcome persists despite extreme hardship or contrary conditions “.(per Google).
How do we deal with the ETM?
How do find the inner strength to keep going?
First of all…You are not alone!! You are not the only one that has experienced a ETM. Below are just a few ETM’s to ponder:
- Even though Abraham and Sarah were far beyond childbearing age – they have a son
- Even though building an ark seemed Odd – it saved Noah & his family
- Even though all of Job’s possessions and health were taken – he stayed faithful
- Even though Davis was small and unlikely – he slayed the giant
- Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death – I will fear no evil
Even though moments – Let’s be honest, they can be scary, hopeless, frustrating – but how do we handle the ETM’s of life?
- Recognize the ETM
- Watch out for becoming angry
- Watch out for “Why Me” mentality
- Don’t attend the Pity Party
- The ETM is a crossroad where we either allow doubt to creep in or we make the choice to let our faith grow
- See the ETM as a faith building opportunity
- Chose to believe that God is still working – He is not finished with me YET
- YET praise HIM
- See it as a challenge, an opportunity to increase your faith
- You are being equipped to help someone else, going through the same thing
- “oh you of little faith”, Matthew 6:30 – self examine and reflect on my own walk
- Shift your focus – Instead of seeing the ETM as a “Faith destroyer” see the ETM as a “Faith developer”.
See the ETM – Even though moments – be convinced that God’s ability and His faithfulness is moving from mustard seed size faith to cultivating a garden of giant faith that equips me to weather any storm.
Like any journey or road trip – to get there you don’t stay in the same place. You have to move. A faith journey requires us to move – closer to HIM, closer to the throne room. Like turning the key in your car, moving through your ETM requires us to be willing to go the distance.
Let’s GO!!!
(Inspired by An Even Though Kind of Faith devotional found in the Bible App)