My husband challenged me recently by mentioning the idea of having a steady faith. I'm defining this as a consistent, unswerving trust and resulting actions that reflect my belief that God will do what He says.
Some of the phrases Merriam-Webster uses to defines "steady" are:
- showing little variation or fluctuation
- not easily disturbed or upset
- constant in feeling, principle, purpose or attachment
- not given to dissipation
The synonyms listed are unfaltering, fixed, stable, uniform, dependable, and sober.
Evaluating myself, I'd say that my beliefs are consistent - I don't waver in my theology. But, can I say that my faith is steady? Do I live like I trust in God equally in valleys and on mountains, or just think it?
To be honest, I tend to coast when things are going well, defaulting into autopilot and not really living like I depend on Him for every breath. In contrast, when I'm waiting for an answer or struggling with something, I tend to spend more time with Him because I'm more aware of my need and it's bothering me.
Simultaneously, in times of distress I find myself striving to solve challenges and create change on my own instead of waiting patiently and quietly trusting Him to work it out. How funny is that? I'm asking Him to fix things but frantically working on my own solutions as well. That behavior certainly isn't steady - nor does it reflect my belief that He will make things right.
I don't have a slick formula that explains how to iron out the inconsistencies in my beliefs and actions in the "good" times versus uncomfortable ones. I don't have a three-step plan to make my faith more of a straight line that a jagged, wavering one. BUT, I do know that the first step in solving any problem is acknowledging it.
The second one is asking Him to help. :-)
Some of the phrases Merriam-Webster uses to defines "steady" are:
- showing little variation or fluctuation
- not easily disturbed or upset
- constant in feeling, principle, purpose or attachment
- not given to dissipation
The synonyms listed are unfaltering, fixed, stable, uniform, dependable, and sober.
Evaluating myself, I'd say that my beliefs are consistent - I don't waver in my theology. But, can I say that my faith is steady? Do I live like I trust in God equally in valleys and on mountains, or just think it?
To be honest, I tend to coast when things are going well, defaulting into autopilot and not really living like I depend on Him for every breath. In contrast, when I'm waiting for an answer or struggling with something, I tend to spend more time with Him because I'm more aware of my need and it's bothering me.
Simultaneously, in times of distress I find myself striving to solve challenges and create change on my own instead of waiting patiently and quietly trusting Him to work it out. How funny is that? I'm asking Him to fix things but frantically working on my own solutions as well. That behavior certainly isn't steady - nor does it reflect my belief that He will make things right.
I don't have a slick formula that explains how to iron out the inconsistencies in my beliefs and actions in the "good" times versus uncomfortable ones. I don't have a three-step plan to make my faith more of a straight line that a jagged, wavering one. BUT, I do know that the first step in solving any problem is acknowledging it.
The second one is asking Him to help. :-)
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