Journal Entry ~ 02/16/18

17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." - Daniel 3:17-18

True biblical faith will never ask you to deny your reality.  It will never ask you to put on a happy face and act like everything is okay when your world is falling apart. Some think when we allow others in to see the challenges we face, we are somehow failing at the Christian life. 

Unfortunately, I’ve been part of Christian circles that don’t want to look into the darkness, instead they choose to put on a front and act as if everything is okay. They shame people who struggle with temptations and point a finger of blame when a trial or a sin issues comes to light. Since I was a fairly new Christian at the time, I quickly picked up on the cues that we never let others see us struggle.  If we do, they will question our faith. After all, if you’re doing this Christian thing right - if you’re going to bible study every week and church on Sunday, and you’re showing up to serve whenever you’re asked - then your life will be blessed. If it’s not blessed and you’re struggling, well then it must be because you’re not doing something right. And talking about your trial to others is as good as saying you’re not doing it right. 

Needless to say, it wasn’t a safe place to talk about the trials I was facing, especially those with my children. I was judged and kept at arm’s length. I thought I was alone in my struggle. I was so thankful when God walked me, or rather pushed me into a transparent, non-judgmental community. 

God doesn’t want us to deny our reality, He wants us to look it in the eye with the confidence to know He stands at the ready to fight that battle with us. Having faith means acknowledging the darkness exists, and knowing God has a plan. Rack, Shack, and Benny didn’t pretend the evil didn’t exist - they looked straight into the fire and still believed God had the power to rescue them. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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