Faith (Part 1)

I’ve been reading a lot about faith lately. For most of my life, I’ve often thought of faith as a mental state of awareness; a belief and trust in God. What I’m finding now is that faith has more to do with our actions rather than with our mental fortitude. Now, don’t get me wrong, it is our belief in God that fuels our faith, however, our belief alone cannot put the benefits of faith into action.

Throughout the bible, we see this displayed time and time again. Moses had to first stretch out his hand over the water before God parted the red sea. Abraham had to set Isaac on the alter before God provided the ram. It is these small steps of obedience in action that led to God’s miraculous intervention and deliverance.

Isaiah 52 describes God’s deliverance of Jerusalem and it is one that reminds me of my own personal deliverance from abuse:

1. “Clothe yourself with strength and put on your beautiful clothes”
   I know what it feels like to feel unworthy; to feel ashamed. Abuse weakens you to a place you feel you cannot come back from. You may feel unworthy of a better life or ashamed of your past, however, God is asking you to rise up and take your rightful place of honor.
2. “Daughter of Zion”
   There is so much endearment in this one designation. I’ve read that when God refers to Zion as His daughter, it’s meant to be a metaphor representing the tenderness of God; His special love and care for His chosen people.
3. “Remove the chains of slavery from your neck”
   The bible dictionary states that “chains were used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound.” Abuse leaves you in a prison. The chains represent bondage, the oppression and hopelessness we face while living in abuse. Freeing yourself from the chains requires faith.

Here is an excerpt I wrote on this passage in my journal back in 2002.

I must make the choice to loose the yoke around my neck. It is loosely laid around me, yet its weight is enormous. (The bible) describes feelings of shame with the garments of God’s splendor and beauty lying right next to you, yet feeling unworthy of them. However, God says to put them on and walk in His glory and strength. “For you were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” It is a free gift.

The beauty of God’s grace and mercy is that all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed. Each small step of faith you take in your redemption process will empower God to move on your behalf. You have to choose to remove the yoke of abuse from around your neck, so He can step in and set you free.

⁶ But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them.”

 How beautiful on the mountains
    are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
    the news that the God of Israel^[c] reigns!
⁸ The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
    for before their very eyes
    they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.^[d]
9 Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song,
    for the Lord has comforted his people.
    He has redeemed Jerusalem.
¹⁰ The Lord has demonstrated his holy power
    before the eyes of all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see
    the victory of our God.

Making the decision is not easy. It requires us to to make changes in our lives, to repent or turn from our old ways. This is why you see so many people repeating the pattern of abuse. They may leave an abuser but not make any personal changes once they leave, thus creating the same environment or circumstances to repeat the cycle. Once you are determined to change and make the decision to remove the yoke of abuse from around your neck, He will step in and help you along the way.

¹ Depart, depart, go out from there!
    Touch no unclean thing!
Come out from it and be pure,
    you who carry the articles of the Lord’s house.
¹² But you will not leave in haste
    or go in flight;
for the Lord will go before you,
    the God of Israel will be your rear guard.