the faith-ladder
"For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint." —Habakkuk 2:3
God has given us visions, promises, high hopes. Over the years, some of these have not happened, and we have forgotten about them. Sometimes we remember these promises but do not hold on to our hopes because we don't want more disappointments. However, the Lord tells us: "If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late" (Hab 2:3).
We must live by faith and not be afraid to expect God's power in our lives (Hab 2:4). By protecting ourselves from disappointment, we are preventing the fulfillment of God's promises by our lack of faith. We may think ourselves wise in not getting our hopes up, since our hopes were not realized, but that very attitude prevented God from fulfilling our hopes.
The apostles were unable to help a boy "demented and in a serious condition" (Mt 17:15). Instead of making excuses, Jesus simply said they failed because of their lack of faith (Mt 17:20). He said: "I assure you, if you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you" (Mt 17:20).
Don't forfeit the promises; hold on. " 'For just a brief moment, and He who is to come will come; He will not delay. My just man will live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.' We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and live" (Heb 10:37-39).
Prayer: Father, may my faith in You constantly grow. May I not stay on my present level, but enter new and higher faith-dimensions.
Promise: "Then Jesus reprimanded him, and the demon came out of him. That very moment the boy was cured." —Mt 17:18
Praise: God gave Michael a vision and the desire to be in the position to prepare young people for Confirmation. Years later, he was hired as a religion teacher to do just that.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006
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