Good morning, everyone!
I stand before you today to share a deeply personal story—a journey that many of us might relate to in one way or another. It’s a story of loss, blame, and ultimately, the discovery of faith.
When I was a young child, I faced a heart-wrenching moment that changed my life forever: the passing of my beloved grandmother. She was my rock, my confidant, and losing her felt like losing a part of myself. In the wake of her death, I was overwhelmed with grief, anger, and confusion.
Have you ever felt lost, like the ground has been pulled out from under you? In my youthful naivety, I sought someone to blame for my pain. And, unfortunately, that someone was God. I wandered through my sadness, feeling abandoned and betrayed, wondering how a loving God could let something so painful happen.
But this story doesn’t end in despair. Instead, it takes a turn toward healing and understanding. Eventually, in my search for answers, I found myself wandering into a church. At first, I was hesitant—what could they possibly teach me that would ease my pain? But as I sat there, listening to the words being spoken, something began to shift within me.
The more I learned about faith, the more I realized that faith isn’t just a static belief; it’s a relationship. It’s about connection. I discovered verses in the Bible that spoke to my heart. One that resonates with me is Hebrews 11:1, which tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
In those moments, I began to understand that my faith was not dependent on my circumstances. Instead, it was about trusting that there was a greater plan, one that I couldn’t yet see. I realized that God was not the source of my pain but rather the source of my healing. He was waiting for me to return to Him, to rebuild our relationship, and to understand His love more deeply.
As I grew in my faith, I discovered the beauty of patience. James 1:3 reminds us, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Through my struggles, I learned that trials often serve a purpose. They can shape us, mold us, and bring us closer to God.
Have you ever thought about how diamonds are formed? They’re created under intense pressure over time. Similarly, our faith can be refined through life’s challenges.
Today, I want to encourage each of you to embrace your own journey of faith. When times are tough, it’s easy to feel abandoned, just as I did. But know that God is there, waiting with open arms for you to seek Him. He understands our pain and wants to help us navigate through it.
Let’s not forget the promises of God. Romans 10:17 states, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The more we immerse ourselves in His Word, the more our faith will grow.
In conclusion, I want to remind you that faith works. It’s not always easy, and it may take time, but it is a journey worth taking. Just like I found peace and purpose after my loss, I believe each of you can find strength and hope in your own struggles.
So the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask yourself: how can I seek God in this moment? Remember, He is always there, waiting for you to come back to Him. Thank you!