The Dance of Faith
There I stood on the bank of the Tellico River, totally enthralled by the glow of the setting sun. Its luminescence created a pageantry of translucent colors dancing on the trees. The slow-moving waters below mirrored the splendor until a gentle breeze captivated some of the dancers and whirled them downward where they became immersed in the reflection of their former glory. Their final waltz in the gentle waters brought them to my feet at the river’s edge, completely submerged, still looking straight into the eyes of their Creator.
I found myself wanting to identify with the journey of those submerged leaves. In every season they had a purpose in the cycle of life. They did not try to fight their way out of the place they now found themselves. They just continued to reflect His glory.
Trials come in all shapes, sizes, and seasons. It’s not up to me to demand answers from God every step of the way. My response is to be so fixated upon the One who created me that I will find joy in the depths of each trial. Every song He sings over me, whether in a major or minor key, is part of the dance of faith that is meant to produce willing obedience to follow His lead as He waltz’s me homeward. The fluid motions of faith find me dancing in the arms of my Father. He pulls me in even closer to the intimate chambers of His heart…a place where I encounter unexplainable, uncanny joy.
And in that moment, I found peace.
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing . . . Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:2-4,12
Powerful and encouraging message, Marsha. The verses from James have kept me going through the trials of life.
This is beautiful and exactly what I needed as I battle cancer. Thank you for sharing from your heart, my friend. It totally blessed me! I’d love to have you share this over on my Linkup today. So many would be blessed and encouraged by your post.
Praise God for His peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for sharing your heart Marsha!