The other day, I had bought some picture frames for photos that we had taken from Easter. I was all excited to put these pictures in frames and display them around the house. But, as I sat down on the couch, preparing to insert the picture, I realized the frame was too small. Talk about being disappointed. I just knew I had gotten the right size, but I was wrong. I then had the bright idea to cut the picture down to fit into the frame (Believe me when I say that the frame was beautiful enough to think that crazy thought) or maybe fold back the edges a bit. I stared at the picture long and hard and realized that it was not worth it to take away any part of the photo just to fit a frame that was too small to hold all of it. I just needed to find the frame that could hold the entire picture without having to take away any of its substance. Just like trying to fit too big of a photo in a small frame, we often do the same with our faith. But, when you are a true believer, you find that faith cannot be cut or folded down. You must obtain the right frame for your faith.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. …” Hebrews 11:1-13
Have you ever done that same thing I have done and tried to frame a picture of faith that was too big for the frame? You find yourself either trying to fold or cut it down to fit the frame. But when you are cutting and/or folding it down, you start to lose the story of the picture itself. The picture starts to focus more on one subject instead of giving the viewer the whole “picture”. So now you have framed an incomplete moment in time. That frame has now hindered the view of something that cannot be reproduced. Faith is everything and more of what we hope and wish for, but have not seen. If we are faithful in one area, does not mean we cannot be faithful in all others. Some areas may take more attention and prayer, but all things are possible in Faith.
“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18
Having faith is work. Each time you have a prayer answered, it produces more faith. We will not escape the hills and valleys that come with having faith, but as our faith grows so does our backbone. A harsh word might have broken you up the whole day, but with your growth of faith, it only stings for a moment. A bad report from the doctor, it used to have you in bed for days. Now with your growth of faith, instead of falling into bed, you instead fall to your knees, thanking God for the miracle he is about to perform on your behalf. Someone flipping you off in traffic, used to have you yelling curse words out the window. Now with your growth of faith, you instead smile and wave to them, continuing with your commute. You see, all these examples of faith, cannot easily fit into any frame. They are great shows of faith, and small shows of faith. Yet, GOD is big enough to frame all of them. He is the frame for our faith.
Lastly, I want to leave you with knowing that each day, will bring a different picture of faith. We will struggle to control ourselves and must face many tests against our faith often. But, do not try to cut or fold your faith to fit a small ideal frame. God is everything and everywhere you need Him to be. Your faith is as big as you make it, and God is always there to frame it. We are all in this together, you got this!
Sincerely,
Terryn
MODERN FAITHERELLA 