Let faith arise

Let faith arise. These song lyrics have so much meaning to me. 

It began with a day of old familiar struggles. Nothing felt different. I had in a sense fallen in the same way once again. Yet there was a difference. This time I choose to respond differently. I did not choose to dwell in condemnation. There was no need for God had covered me with His grace and forgiveness. I did not choose to analyze or dwell on my actions. There was no need as that would not change anything.

No, this time my response was different. God challenged me to go deeper. For I realized that under all of this was the subtle but very strong feeling that things would never change. This struggle would always be a part of my life. It had been a habit/ sin pattern for as long as I could remember and I didn't seem to be making much progress forward. Change was impossible.

Yet, instead of dwelling on my actions and struggles from that day, I went out for a bike ride. It was a beautiful summer evening. The sky was magnificent. The air felt a little less humid. And a certain song that I had heard earlier that day came into my heart and mind. "Let faith arise... open my eyes... let faith arise"

I realized that I had a choice to make. I could believe those strong feelings that I would never have victory in this area. That change is impossible. Or I could choose to have FAITH in who my GOD is. Let faith arise. There is nothing impossible for my God. Let faith arise. The God who can move mountains can change my heart and my life. It does not matter how many times I have stumbled or fallen, I will choose to have faith in my God. Let faith arise.

When I hear this song I will forever remember this certain hill that I was flying down as the sun was starting to set and this song was bursting in my heart. Let FAITH arise.

Tonight, I met with my good friend and mentor. We have been meeting for the past year. A God ordained and blessed relationship that simply came about. It never officially started as a mentorship and she would be quick to tell you that she is blessed by our time together. Yet during this past year, I have sat on her couch and I have shared my struggles. I have shared my heart. I have laughed, I have cried, I have been angry, I have been hopeful, I have simply shown up. Just as I am.

And I have been loved. I have been listened to. I have been affirmed. I have been encouraged. I have had someone who has been angry on my behalf and joyful on my behalf. I have been blessed. 

And after that day which was filled with struggle and faith, I sat on her couch and once again simply shared my heart. Through our conversation, God reminded me and showed me how He has been using this struggle in my life. For He has been showing me His grace. The gospel and His grace. Because the gospel is all about His grace. My friend made a comment that stuck with me "I don't know why God has you in the midst of this struggle as I know He could remove it completely from your life if He choose." 

Later I asked myself, do I truly believe that God has the power to change my heart and my life? It can be much easier for me to have great faith on behalf of others but I can find it difficult when it comes to myself as I know my familiar struggles.

Let faith arise. 

God's timing is perfect. A few days later He spoke to my heart in such a powerful way through a bible study lesson. I was broken and on my knees face down before God. Truly broken and ready for change. Crying out to Him to change the desires of my heart. To desire Him more than this struggle. To have faith in Him that He will give me freedom and victory. It was such a powerful time in the Presence of my God. Another dear friend was with me and prayed over me. All I can say is that God did a profound work in my heart that night.

Let faith arise.

Tonight, three weeks later, I sat on the same couch at my friend's house. This time I am sharing how God has completely changed the desires of my heart. Something I have struggled with for so long and is now completely gone. Three weeks ago the desire was so vivid and the struggle so strong. Strangely it's no longer there. In the past three weeks I have gone through a lot and all the same triggers have been there. Yet, God has absolutely removed that desire from my heart and has completely freed me from this struggle. It is gone. Praise His holy name.

Let faith arise.

I did not fully realize the impact of what I was sharing until I saw my friend's reaction. And saw her eyes of wonder. For she saw this struggle in my life. She saw firsthand the brokenness, the tears, and the pain. She walked with me through this journey. And tonight her reaction was one of awe and simply praise to our God. What a God we serve. How deeply He loves us. And truly nothing we struggle or face is impossible for Him.

Let FAITH arise.




"I Lift My Hands" by Chris Tomlin

Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are a fortress for the weak

Let faith arise
Let faith arise

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever

Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Pure grace that washes over me

So let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever