Push Me, Pull Me – Faith and Hope

 

“To the best of my understanding, faith is trusting God enough to obey what He has said, and hope is having the confidence that God will do everything He has promised. One pushes you; the other pulls you.” Erwin McManus

Joshua my oldest (22) has been home from Indiana on Spring Break and it has been great having the tallest giant back in my house for a while. The weeks leading up to coming home were tough for Josh, he was struggling to make some major decisions and it was testing his faith. His relationship with Father God wasn’t where he wanted it to be and Josh was questioning his own character and his heart. He wrestled, he prayed and he repented…I believe it was his first “dark night of the soul”.

Oswald Chambers talks about this in his book, "Abandoned to God". "The mystics used to speak of 'the dark night of the soul' (or 'night season') as a time of spiritual darkness and dryness, not the direct result of sins committed, but rather a deep conviction of sin itself within the heart and mind.  It's a time the person 'is being brought to an end of himself,' and made aware of the utter worthlessness of his own nature when stripped of all religious pretensions.  Moreover, there was the willingness to abandon all for Christ's sake, to deny - not only his evil self but also his good self."

On the way home from the airport after picking him up, Josh said this to me…

“I realized just how important it was to be right before God.”

That attitude and desire drove him to make difficult, hard, but ultimately, faith strengthening decisions. His hope was that God would meet him in that dark place and bring some much needed light. The end result…he felt free. For a Dad that’s an awesome thing to witness, one of my children cementing their faith in a way that makes them free. It made me think…

That faith and hope enables us to do what is right and positions us
for God’s promise of freedom.

“And you shall do the right and good in the sight of Jehovah, so that it may be well with you, and so that you may go in and possess the good land which Jehovah swore to your fathers.” Duet. 6:18

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11: 1

How is your faith pushing you? How is hope pulling you?

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Comments

Sheriwalz said…
A fab post, just what I was looking for. My faith is definately pushing me forward.......I wouldn't be on my not watching tv kick without some serious hope and faith..........that there is something in it for me for not being a friend with this world. I won't get the reward while on this earth, but someday and it'll be worth it!
seekingpastor said…
By waking me up and showing me what can be--on both counts.
Great post, Jay! (I love the background pic, too!) Congrats to Joshua! The first adult decision to obey God is the hardest to make but the freeing sensation afterwards will make it all worthwhile and in the future it will be easier and easier to obey. Blessings to both of you!
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Sheri! I do think that while we get a huge honking reward someday in heaven, we also get the reward of knowing Him deeper here on earth. Our faith and hope make that possible as well. Appreciate your comments!
Jay Cookingham said…
Good one Matt...I love that about God!
Jay Cookingham said…
For Josh it was a great step, although He was following after God, he felt that there was still something deeper...it was beautiful to see. Thanks Mari-Anna, bless you also!
Dustin said…
Pushing me? By making me realize that it's not okay to be complacent. Keep moving forward, Dustin! :)
Jay Cookingham said…
Amen Dustin! That's a push I need as well! Thanks bro'
Moe said…
Pushing me to see the opportunities of reaching souls with the Gospel. Pulling me to FROG (fully rely on God) <-- I got all Sunday school on you. :)
Jay Cookingham said…
LOL...that's "OLD School" Sunday School! Thanks Bro'
jasonS said…
I definitely feel the pushing and pulling. Will I stand? Will everything He promised happen? At the end of it, I find myself more resolved than ever. I want to trust Him. I've got nowhere else to go. Thanks Jay--great encouragement.
Jay Cookingham said…
So true Jason...who else holds the keys but our Saviour and King! Thanks Bro'
Dusty Rayburn said…
Faith is pushing me to look for new opportunities of growth and service in His army.

Hope is pulling me on and up.
Jay Cookingham said…
Onwards and upwards my friend! Bless you!
S Etole said…
What a wonderful gift for both of you ...
Jay Cookingham said…
It certainly was Susan...thank you!

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