I remember one time in college driving down a small one way road minding my own business when suddenly in my rear view mirror I saw the dreaded red and blue lights flashing, and a cop car closing in on me. I couldn't keep my heart from pounding uncontrollably, muscles tightening instinctively, and feeling so sick to my stomach I thought my breakfast was about to see the light of day.
Dutifully yet with undeniable trepidation I started to pull over to the side of the road prepared for the worst. In the back of my head still wondering how someone living on Ramon noodles & Kraft mac and cheese was going to pay for what I was sure would be a ticket.Saying a quick "God-please-part-the-red-sea-and-let-me-pass" related prayer I looked over my shoulder and much to my surprise saw the cop suddenly fly past me.
He wasn't even after me.
I had been in this predicament before once (okay maybe twice) but this time I knew I really wasn't speeding! I just assumed it'd be the same as before.What I felt overshadowed what I knew.If I decided to live my life according to the feelings that I experienced in that moment I would still be sitting on the side of that dusty road waiting for a ticket.
Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with feelings. God gave them to us. But I do believe sometimes Christians, definitely myself, tend to rely too much on emotional experiences instead of faith.Our feelings are usually based on what our senses perceive to us to be real. Things we can see, touch, feel, taste, or smell tell us what we're experiencing has to be real. But that's not always the case is it? Even scientists have discovered ways to manipulate our brains to make us feel sensations like flying while simply sitting in a chair.
But feelings often change and reality sets in. Circumstances change. It is then we see where our faith truly lies. If we rely completely on things that are always changing we'll more than likely end up disappointed...every time.
Unlike the scientists God doesn't try to trick us into feeling something that isn't real. He is what He is.His word doesn't change. I don't know what season of life you're going through right now but you can have hope in the fact that God is right smack in the middle of it with you. He's the only steady thing in the midst of the chaos. You may not be able to see him, hear him, or even feel him in this moment (I've been there) But I promise you he is there. He can't help but be there.
"God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.” Deuteronomy 31:8
He has a plan for the struggles. Just hold on. Just like our feelings,they're only temporary.But what he can do with them & through them is eternal. God will change it and if He doesn't, He'll change your feelings about it.Sometimes we just have to have faith instead of relying on our feelings. I don't know about you but I don't want to spend my life sitting on the side of the road waiting for my feelings to change, I want to walk by faith and see where the road will take me!
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