Image Map

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

That time I talked about my faith

Several weeks ago, during one of my many long drives, my mind was swirling with thoughts.  It bounced from work to friends to moving woes to random events.  A lot was going on with me at the time, and I was feeling pretty sorry for myself.

As I stopped at a red light, I took a deep breath and said out loud, "Why am I never enough for someone? Friends, guys, whatever ... why am I not enough?" 

The light turned green, and I proceeded through, but even in those few moments, I heard these clear words, "Just wait until you see what I have in store for you." 

They were in my head, but I knew where they had come from.

This was a God moment.  The first one I've ever had.

Now, that's not to say I haven't had lots of talks with God, but they were all fairly one-sided.  Mostly, they consisted of me talking, praying or just thinking.  I know better than to expect an immediate answer.  That's not how He works.  (Or so I thought.)  But sometimes it felt good just to put my thoughts, troubles and worries out there.

Some people reading this might be nodding.  Some might think I'm crazy.  And some might be surprised to learn I have a faith.

More than once in my life, my belief has been questioned out loud.  Actually, strike that.  More than once in my life, I've actually been called godless or told I'm not religious enough.

Here's my answer to that:
There's more than one way to be faithful.

Also, I don't like the word "religion."  At least not for myself.



For some, their relationship with God calls them to weekly church services, sharing scripture and making sure the world knows what they believe. If that is what feels good to you, and helps you build and strengthen your faith, then by all means, carry on!

For me,  a relationship with God is a very personal one.  I don't attend church regularly. In my life, I have gone to a few different churches, and I've had good experiences and bad experiences.  I take in God's words and message in ways other than the bible, and I almost never talk about my faith.  Not because I'm ashamed, but because I just don't think it's anyone's business.

Ultimately, I do believe being a person of faith goes beyond church services and praying.  It's about how you treat and regard others -- your neighbors and your perceived enemies.  It's about caring for others -- even those you don't understand.   It's about believing in a higher power, but also having the wisdom to make your own decisions.  It's about trusting that there is a plan and being willing to pay attention to the little clues that lead you on your path.



Maybe all of this sounds ridiculous to you.

Maybe this doesn't make me a Christian by your definition.

But I don't care.

I know what I believe, and I'm good with that.

7 comments:

  1. And the choir said, "Amen." Thanks for sharing, Micah.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stands. Applauds. Good for you! Your faith is yours and it should be celebrated the way you and God understand best. I am 100% behind you on the way you choose to love God. Also, I have had those God moments when I hear Him clearly in my head and I always know that it is Him because the answers are so much smarter than I am. I am so proud of you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm 100% with you! How come there is so many religions but only ONE GOD? We don't go to church nearly as often as some say we should! We have church in our home! Our church is when we hold hands and pray at the dinner table, or hear our kids say good night and God Bless you, when we call up a friend in need and offer our help, saying a prayer in our car on our way home form work! Or just having FAITH that God will always be there for us no matter what! That's a true believer to me and that my dear is true Christian!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've had God moments too. I've always been a spiritual person, but only in the past few years have attended church regularly. Up until a month ago, I wen tto church every Sunday this year. I think whatever works for you. I hate when people try and impose their own definition of religion on you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. **slow clap** Love this post, and you!! I know many people who go to church on a regular basis who have no relationship with God whatsoever. Don't let someone tell you how your relationship with God is "supposed" to look. All relationships are different. You love God, he loves you. Boom. That's all you need.

    ReplyDelete
  6. And good for you. And I say that without a trace of sarcasm. And I love that blackboard sign, it's perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  7. 100% agree!I always think back to high school when the Young Life kids would be partying and hooking up, but I was looked at as a huge sinner because I didn't go to church or youth group.

    ReplyDelete

Pin It button on image hover