I read a quote on ‘faith’ today,
and trouble’s we are due;
it’s not so much to get us ‘round,
but more to get us through.
When trouble looms—impending doom
and no way out we see;
faith’s the guide that leads us through –
what each our steps should be.
‘Doubt’ the foe that blinds the eye
to faith’s impending light;
‘impatience’ then the driving foe
that keeps us in our night.
‘Normal’ the pervasive foe;
to discourage is its goal.
‘Who are you to trust in faith;
you’re just a ‘normal’ soul.’
What list of foes would be complete
without the dreadful . . . ‘fear’;
the constant sound, ‘He’ll not come through’
that’s ringing in our ear.
But faith’s illum’ning light still shines,
though foes may endless be;
to light our path when darkness reigns,
that His way we can see.
Hunger and Thirst 
Thanks so much, Mike, for this wonderful faith-filled poem. I was hungering for something like this from you. . . .from Him. 🙂
And I wanted to ask you something. Do you think the guys you are going to minister to would benefit from your book? I would donate the cost of the books, so each could have one, if you think it is appropriate for this situation. Just thinking . .. just really, really was blessed by your book. I want others to be too!
God bless you always! deb
Debbie,
Glad you liked the poem. It was stirring and I was stewing over it about a week. It is always good when I finally figure out a way to say exactly what I’m trying to say. Easier sometimes than others.
As far as the book, again, I’m glad you liked it. For some reason, even though I wrote it, I have a hard time remembering what I wrote. So occsionally I reread bits and pieces of it myself. There are parts that still move me.
I really appreciate your generosity. But the books are just sitting in a box, not doing anyone any good. I’d really rather give them away as to have them sitting there. I’ve been taking a couple of copies each week to leave for whoever wants to read them. There are about 6 groups and so far we have been to two.
I intended, the last time we were in town to send you another copy of the book. You were too generous. We weren’t home long and I did not get it done. I will try harder this time.
Thanks for all, Mike.
I discovered another foe of faith today. I haven’t come up with a word for it yet; maybe someone will read this and think of one for it.
I will start with the short version of a story about the guy who was on his roof trying to escape the rising waters. He was praying that the Lord would provide for him. The Lord sent a boat and then a helicopter and each time the man refused. The man was so determined to trust the Lord that he failed to see the Lord in His provision.
It seems like there should be a word for that.
Anyway, in regard to my book; lately I have tried to pray a little more often that it would be helpful to anyone who took the time to read it. In addition to that prayer, I have prayed that the Lord would provide the means to get the next one published.
‘I’ had decided it would all come from a profitable job. So with my mind fixed on that, I overlooked that the Lord might have in mind to send it in bits and pieces.
I had also decided, since it is not in me to promote my book, that I would just give them away. I felt good about that. But there again, it seems the Lord had a different idea and I didn’t pick up on it.
Maybe it is a ‘slow’ foe. 🙂
Anyway, with all that in mind, and after both the Lord and my wife have given me a hard time today about stealing someone’s desire and opportunity to be a blessing, I have to confess my error.
Deb, it really is cool that you would want to do that. If you still would like to, I would be pleased to have you do it. I will let the guys (ladies too as there are a couple of groups of ladies) know that a lady from Illinois is providing them. I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of them might end up writing you a note which I would forward to you.
I think I will go with the ‘slow’ foe. It fits what I have heard of a difference between how men and women think. Women think like computers. Men think like pencil and paper. (Slow)
I love it, Mike. And the slow foe . . .boy is that me too! Sorry, no computer brained woman here. ha! I am so blessed and excited to be able to send something to help others get those beautiful, powerful books in their hands and hearts. Thank you!!!!
deb
Hey Mike,
It has been awhile. Your poem nicely captures the struggle of faith.
Brian
Brian,
Good to hear from you. Was glad to finally see who your avatar is. I had thought of both Wesley and Edwards, but wasn’t even sure if it was either one. I’ve seen both their pictures, but my mind can’t seem to keep track of all it knows. 🙂
Glad you liked the poem. It is a fitting description of my struggle.
Mike
This is wonderful Mike. I love the concept of faith’s foes – how many they are and always at work! Those guys never take a break. When the Word fills our minds and hearts – their job gets much tougher!
Rachel