Fanning the Flames of Faith

[lillibet53]

Nothing dampens the fires of enthusiasm more than discouragement. When you're discouraged, the glow of excitement for the Lord dims, like embers of a dying fire. That's the time to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you."
 
For years Mrs. Hanover prayed for her husband's salvation. Then, one day, he was killed in an automobile accident. She lost her husband -- not only to this earth but for all eternity. Discouraged, she stopped living for the Lord.
 
Five years later she met Roger Sims, who told her an amazing story. Roger said he had been hitchhiking when Mr. Hanover picked him up. During the course of their ride, Roger witnessed to Mr. Hanover. Well, he was so convicted that he pulled his car over on the side of the road and prayed. Roger explained that eventually Mr. Hanover dropped him off. Mrs Hanover was wide-eyed. It was later on that very day the fateful accident happened.
 
While Mrs. Hanover felt immense surprise and joy, she also cried tears of regret for having given up in discouragement. From that point on, she fanned the dying embers of her faith, until her confidence in God was restored.
 
We Christians often give over to discouragement with hardly a fight. We let doubts gain a toehold, and before you know it, they have a foothold, then a hand-hold. Then we chuck it all.
 
Each of us faces disheartening circumstances. But no matter what happens, keep trusting, keep obeying. Discouragement is like a dark tunnel. The only thing that will brighten your path is to fan the flames of your faith until it's a fire. Obedience then will light your way out the other side.
 
* * * * *
 
Our Father, give me perseverance in the face of disappointment. Enable me to keep on keeping on.
 
Blessings,

Joni and Friends

[CanuckLynn]

We never know how God is working through our prayers as is shown in this remarkable story!  God answered prayer, and allowed a stranger to pass on the good news! 

Perfect advice in this sentence: "The only thing that will brighten your path is to fan the flames of your faith until it's a fire. Obedience then will light your way out the other side."  Discouragement can lead us away from God or we can use it to bring ourselves closer to Him!  Amen!

Thanks Liz for posting this!  I did exactly as Mrs. Hanover in this story when my parents were killed in a car accident when I was 24.  It was later I learned that because of my mother's witness to her brothers, one of them, and now his entire family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren know the Lord!  AND they gave their lives to God 'after' her death!  We may not always understand God's ways, but His plan, no matter what, is always for the best!  Praise Him!  He never leaves us, and is always waiting for us through all discouragements and trials that come our way!

Go to Him!  He will ease your burdens!!

[Blainepyle88]

Thanks for the post! 

[pat11461]

Thanks for the message!