As I watch with great concern some of the events in our world, such as senseless wars and racial injustice, I also reflect on my stories of challenges, fears, doubts, faith, and perseverance. I remind myself of what trusting in God, my Father, means through the uncertainties of a bright future, especially when I desperately seek answers and results, yet they do not always happen on my time.
Not only have these stories encouraged me to maximize my potentials over the years, but they have also pushed me to examine my relationship with my Father and seek a deeper understanding and relationship with Him.
Faith Challenged
Growing up without my earthly father, who passed away when I was three years old, I rely heavily on my Heavenly Father for the plans He has for me, while also being very grateful for the love and support I get from family and friends.
Throughout my journey, though, my faith has often fallen short when I face the storm.
In Matthew 21:21, Jesus tells his disciples after performing a miracle, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt (emphasis by Ib), you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.”
My Father has performed many miracles in my life, but the words, “have faith and don’t doubt” in Scripture challenge me a lot. It is the result of looking through the lens of man instead of Him.
Lessons Learned
I am thankful, however, for some of the lessons I have learned along the way.
One such lesson comes from my 2-year-old daughter, Gloria. Her birth was a precious moment in my life, and even more fascinating was the experience of carrying her to work with me daily between the ages of two and six months.
It still puzzles me how well I handled the demands of work and childcare simultaneously, but that experience helped build a strong bond and trust between us.
Before she turned two years old, I would sometimes encourage her, while on our way out, to jump from a few steps above me in the stairwell of our home, assuring her she will be safe in my hands.
Understandably hesitant at first, she decided to give it a try, and sure enough, daddy caught her safely in his arms.
Consequently, her faith and confidence in me grew stronger—beyond my imagination—knowing that daddy loves her, and she will always be safe in my hands [and arms].
I wish I always had such strong faith in my Father, who is omniscient and created me in His own image.
Why do I, like Peter when he walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33), become terrified when I face strong wind and waves, instead of focusing on what my all-loving and all-powerful Father can do? I sometimes ask myself this question.
Despite all my shortcomings, Gloria gave me food for thought, through her faith in me for love and protection, that, I can—and should—maintain faith in my Father always and don’t doubt.
After all, I have seen Him perform miracles in my life. He saved 600 other passengers and me in a boat when we faced boisterous winds in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and I feared we would all die. It happened during our escape from a brutal civil war in my native country, Sierra Leone, in 1997, before I spent the next seven years in The Gambia as a refugee.
So, I believe my Father can do more, not only for me but for people hurting in our community and around the world.
A Need For Change
As we sadly watch the profound impact of systemic racism and consider how long it’s been happening, there is no doubt that we need change.
However, it is so easy to doubt that things will change—that we can all love our neighbors as ourselves, and lay a strong foundation of that love for generations to come.
I am hopeful for change. We are hopeful because we know our Father’s got our back.
We are optimistic because, through prayer, faith, and positive steps, our Father can heal this cancer.
We are beginning to see some positive signs already as people speak up and take necessary action.
My Father reminds us in one of my favorite Scripture verses, Isaiah 43:19, saying:
“For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Many things might not make sense in our world today, but the Bible reminds us to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion (Ephesians 6:18).
My Father’s promise in Isaiah 43:2 gives me hope. So, I encourage us to continue praying.
Prayer
I am prayerful that we will always look through His lens, and not that of man.
I am prayerful and hopeful that there will be justice, especially for people of color.
I am prayerful and hopeful for the eradication of systemic racism that has plagued society for too long.
I am prayerful and hopeful for God to rebuild our communities so we can love and trust one another—including law enforcement—again. May the Imprints of His love shine bright in our lives and all that we do.
I am prayerful and hopeful for the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2).
I am prayerful and hopeful for a brighter future for my children—and your children—and their offspring.
I am prayerful and hopeful for precious little six-year-old Gianna Floyd, daughter of the late George Floyd, who died in the hands of police—and other orphans in a similar situation. They might grow up asking many relevant but unanswered questions and wishing their earthly fathers were around to stretch their hands toward them, hug them, and protect them. May they come to know our Heavenly Father, who will love them more than anyone else can.
I am prayerful and hopeful for the protection of law enforcement personnel, the right decision-making, and improved relations with the communities in which they serve.
I am prayerful and hopeful for each of us who might ask, “Where is God?” in all of this (whatever “this” is to us).
I am prayerful and hopeful for my Father to restore us from all our pain and anger resulting from whatever injustice we, a family member or friend may have experienced. May He turn those bitter memories around into possibilities and opportunities that will have a life-changing and lasting positive impact spanning many generations.
I am prayerful and hopeful for you, that by faith, no matter what you are going through my Father—our Heavenly Father—who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (Ephesians 3:20) will see you through.
And, I am prayerful and thankful for the plans He has for us: Plans to prosper [us] and not to harm [us], plans to give [us] hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Faith In Our Father
Let us put faith to work and don’t doubt in the ability of our Father to turn our situation—and racism—around for good.
No matter how bad our situation(s) might seem, we can always count on Him for victory.
That is my prayer and hope.
Yes! It is possible.
Let us put faith in our Father. Amen.
- Faith In My Father: My Prayer And Hope - June 21, 2020
Thanks without faith we can’t do nothing