Carlos PuentesThe Essence of Faith in Our Journey
In our spiritual journey of faith as believers, faith emerges as a profound and compelling force (Hebrews 11:1). It’s the beacon that guides us through the darkest nights and the fiercest storms. However, the true essence of faith transcends mere belief; it becomes a guarantee only when God Himself seals it with His divine approval. This concept underscores a vital spiritual truth: our faith, when perfectly aligned with God’s will, transforms into an unbreakable anchor that steadfastly holds our lives in place.
As we navigate through life, it is marked by a paradoxical dance between the resounding “no” of the world and the spiritual “yes” that echoes within the hearts of those who dare to believe beyond what is seen (1 Corinthians 1:20). This dance is not for the faint of heart. It is for those who understand that the trials and tribulations they face are not mere obstacles but divine instruments designed to mold them into the likeness of Christ (James 1:2-4). This transformative process is at the heart of our Christian walk; it is the very purpose of our existence—to become more like Jesus, reflecting His glory in every aspect of our lives.
Indeed, if this transformation doesn’t appeal to us, it’s crucial to question our motives in our Christian walk. Are we truly serving Christ for His glory, or are there other underlying motivations driving our actions? The core essence of Christianity lies in the redemption of our lives, the process of becoming more like Christ, a work achieved through the Holy Spirit and the divine will of God.
Transformation: Christ-Likeness
This aspiration for transformation is beautifully mirrored in the context of a Christ-centered marriage (Ephesians 5:21-33). The idea of two individuals coming together, with the mutual goal of growing in Christ-likeness, embodies the essence of Christian companionship. In such a union, both parties are engaged in a sacred process of mutual molding, each becoming more like the other, and together, growing into the fullness of Christ. This journey towards oneness, where the two become one, in Christ is a testament to the power of faith in shaping and defining the most intimate human relationships (Mark 10:8).
My aspiration to one day marry and become one with my woman, both of us growing in Christ-likeness together, beautifully reflects this transformative journey. In a Christ-centered marriage, there is a mutual molding process, where you both become more like each other, and ultimately, in oneness, more like Christ.
Yet, the path to witnessing God’s promises unfold in our lives is often fraught with challenges. The waiting period can be a test of patience and faith, a battle between the doubts of our flesh and the assurance of our spirit. This internal struggle is akin to a stone cast into water; initially plunged into uncertainty, but eventually finding its place of rest at the bottom, stable and unmoved. This metaphor beautifully illustrates the journey of faith as we wait upon the Lord. Initially, our faith might waver under the weight of our circumstances, but as we continue to trust in God’s timing and promises, we find a deeper stability and assurance in Him—the anchor of our faith (Hebrews 6:19).
In other words, I feel this metaphor of a stone cast into water is something like the following: initially, when the stone is thrown into the water, it sinks frantically, mirroring the anxiety and impatience we may feel when waiting for God’s promises to materialize. However, as the stone descends deeper, it becomes increasingly stable and finally rests at the bottom, unmoved (Psalm 62:6-7). Similarly, as we wait on God, our faith deepens, and we become more rooted in Him, finding stability in His promises.
The Waiting Period: A Test of Patience and Faith
The waiting period for God’s promises can be a challenging and often frustrating experience (Psalm 27:13-14). The battle between the impossibility in our flesh and the inevitability in our spirit is a common struggle. Our human nature tends to doubt and question, but our spiritual conviction remains unshaken. Like a child eagerly awaiting the return of their parents, our souls cry out to the Lord as we patiently wait upon Him, trusting that His timing is perfect and His promises are true.
The journey of faith, therefore, is not about the immediate realization of God’s promises but about the process of becoming more deeply rooted in Him as we wait. God’s intention for us is to be as stones at the bottom of the ocean—unmoved by the turbulence above, yet perfectly positioned to receive His blessings. It’s a state of spiritual stability and readiness that only comes from a deep, unwavering faith in God’s will and timing.
In conclusion, faith is not an automatic guarantee of God’s promises; it becomes a guarantee when it is endorsed by God’s seal in His divine will and timing (Habakkuk 2:2-4). Our spiritual journey is one of transformation, where each challenge and waiting period serves to mold us more into the likeness of Christ. As believers, our ultimate goal is to reflect Christ in all aspects of our lives, finding stability and assurance in His promises, regardless of the uncertainties that surround us. This journey deepens our relationship with God, anchoring us firmly in His unshakable love and divine purpose.
Carlos Puentes
