Keeping the Faith
Throughout my life, I have heard the phrase, “keep the faith” more times than I can count. So much so, that sometimes it feels like there is no meaning behind it. Recently I found myself wondering what is faith? A quick Google search of “faith” will return two definitions:
-
complete trust or confidence in someone or something;
-
strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
Over the past couple of months, I have really struggled with definition number one, which at times, led me to struggle with definition number two.
My husband works in the casino industry, and during the COVID-19 pandemic we had weeks of uncertainty surrounding his job. In the beginning, we were very optimistic about his employment, but as time went on and the casinos remained closed, we started to lose faith. Eventually, he received word that layoffs would begin. When we received the news, I reached for my phone and texted my mom and sister to ask that they pray for us. My mom responded, “I got prayers for him and you! I love you! Keep in mind when one door closes another one opens!”, and my sister texted, “I’ll say a prayer for you guys. Let us know if you need anything. We love you guys!”. Looking back now, I see that these were very uplifting texts, but in the moment, my heart felt so weary. Honestly, I felt like I was losing faith in God because I didn’t know how He would see us through.
I was at a low point and knew I needed to surround myself with others, virtually and electronically of course, that would speak God’s truth to me. Which also meant humbling myself in front of God, and asking that He forgive me for losing faith. I began to pray constantly and rely on His Word to pull me out of this state of faithlessness. It was in these moments that I realized; I didn’t have on the shield of faith.
In Ephesians 6:16, Paul instructs us, “In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (CSB). I had an “aha moment” when I read that. The enemy was firing his flaming arrows at me because he knew my guard was down and that I removed my shield of faith. In only the way that God can, He reignited my faith. I threw up my hands, and said, “God, I am trusting you with this situation. May your will be done.” Within days of surrendering to God, my husband received a call asking him to report to work to help with preparing the casino for reopening. I love how God works!
This experience has led me to re-examine the saying, “keep the faith”, and to truly see the power behind this statement. This statement now serves as a reminder of the importance for me to take up my shield of faith in every situation, so God can guard me from the attacks of the enemy. It is my prayer for you that you will “keep the faith.”
Stephanie Patterson is originally from Denver, Colorado, and has called Las Vegas home since 2013. She has been married to her incredibly supportive and patient husband, Gabriel, since 2008. Her blended family includes 3 children – 2 adult children living productively on their own (hallelujah!), and a spunky, creative pre-teen who keeps her on her toes. Stephanie became a mother at a young age, and in her late 30s, is finally figuring out who she is. What she has discovered about herself, thus far, is she loves to read, write, cook/bake, and nap. What she has always known is that her heart belongs to God, and she feels called to connect with people who need help seeing that God loves and accepts them as they are. Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her life experiences and hopes to connect with others through the grace and glory of God.