When Walking By Faith Leaves You Frustrated

You know the conversation – you try to avoid it, you want to avoid it, but God calls you to them? I’ve had a few of those recently. Called to speak truth into places in other’s lives. You walk into them humble and filled with the Spirit, then you leave the results up to God.

The results are what get me. Mainly because they are not what I expect. Sometimes its because they respond so well or way better than I expect. Most of the time… yeah, not on the end I was hoping.

How come when I step out in faith I get a negative response? I step out in faith and the results are more difficult than where I started – what the heck, God?! I didn’t sign up for this…

Or did I?

I did. I know I did. Jesus told me to expect opposition, hardships, trials, tribulations. And since we are sinful people dealing with other sinful people we are going to get sinful responses at times – maybe more along the lines of MOST of the time! Do I like it? NOPE! But this is what God has called us to, what He has called me to.

One of the most important lessons God has taught me, and has continued to reiterate, is that He hasn’t called me to be comfortable. He has called me to be obedient, patient, bold. He has called me to share the Gospel whether it’s a spiritual gift or not. He has called me to speak truth in love, regardless of how others will take it. I’m responsible for me – and Leah, do what God has called you to do BY FAITH and leave the results up to God.

I can’t control other people’s responses. I sure wish I could! I wish people could understand me perfectly (you guys, you have no idea how much I hate being misunderstood, and I am misunderstood a LOT). But they can’t. BUT it’s not my responsibility to control others feelings, emotions, reactions. If people are going to respond out of pride, hurt, defense – whatever the case – I can’t make them respond differently. I can be aware it may happen and use the best word choice and set it up the best way possible. But their response? That’s between them and God.

So, dear friend, what is God calling you to do today? What do you need to do to step out in faith and leave the results to God? Do you need to go share the Gospel with anyone because you haven’t out of fear? Do you need to call up a friend you haven’t talked to in a while? How about share truth to a post online? You can’t control how people will respond, and you aren’t called to do things that just keep the peace. You are called to be obedient.

Dear Lord Jesus, I feel like crap for doing what was right. And I’m frankly afraid to step out in faith again. But I want to have Your heart and attitude that You had in Your final hours – not MY will, but YOUR will be done! Give me the boldness of heart to do what you called me to do, and help me to truth you with the results, even when they are unpleasant. In Your name I pray…

About Leah

Leah works with Master Plan Ministries at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Other than watching college students' lives change, she enjoys getting her mind blown by God and His Word, watching sci fi, baking cupcakes, and spending time with her hunky husband. 

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