Water in the drought
Do you reckon with the unseen world, do you consider it as real as the visible world? The visible world is permanently before our eyes; it is logical and explainable, we can look.
The unseen world, on the other hand, is only vaguely perceptible, conceivable, it is unprovable, and is often considered irrational. It has to do with feelings and thoughts – we are in it all the time, but it defies precise definitions and explanations. This is the realm of faith. We are supposed to live our life in faith in God.
For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. 2. Corinthians 5:7
In the illustration there is a dried up plant. It’s a picture for how we feel sometimes, that is our experience in the world. That is the sight that this verse is talking about.
When I use the handle of the pump next to it, water flows out. We are called to operate the pump, that is, to activate our faith so that water flows. It is symbolic of the invigorating Word of God and the Holy Spirit who reminds us or speaks to us. This is the faith in which we are to walk. This faith will water and revive our little plant.
An example that you have probably also experienced: You don’t feel good enough, smart enough, beautiful enough. You think this is real. You have had enough experiences to confirm it. It even sounds logical to you. Or you have problems in your partnership or with other people. Maybe finances are the problem, whatever. Your little plant is drying up like in the illustration, it looks bad. God seems far away and doesn’t seem to care how you are doing. Here we are walking by sight.
But what does God’s word say about this?
„See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children—and so, in fact, we are.“(1.John 3:1)
These are powerful words. They are repeated throughout the Bible, in different words. Say them out loud for yourself! Over and over again! This is so invigorating! That’s walking in faith.
Is it always easy? No! God’s Word also says that we are healed by Jesus’ stripes on the cross (see 1.Peter 2:24). Then why do I have this sun allergy that is really troublesome? Why doesn’t he heal me and all other people as well? I don’t know. Nevertheless, I believe that God wants to heal. He has healed me of various allergies before. Why did this sun allergy come back? I do not know. And yet I hold on to the fact that God loves me, sees my dilemma, and is on the journey with me. I try to let him guide me as best I can and believe that is enough. I trust him even if I don’t understand everything – I never will anyway and that’s okay!
Do you believe your experiences, your sight? Or do you walk by faith, that is, do you believe what God says about you and himself? Does he really mean you? Oh yes he means you! Faith is your radical trust that the statements of the Bible apply to you and will always apply to you!
God gives us so many promises in the Bible. It is up to us to accept them – without feeling arrogant and too proud. God loves you! Do you dare to accept that and proclaim it for yourself? What happens when someone treats you badly? Do you hold on to the promise of being loved and accepted? What if you are not capable of performing? Do you still believe you are valuable? What happens when you feel alone, abandoned by everyone? Are you still sure that God is still with you and will never abandon you?
You should pay attention to your plant and see how dry it is, but you should not stop there. Go to God with it and trust him! Activate your faith! Water it with his mighty promises!
