Struggle to Victory

This is part 2 of a 2-part series by Kathy Howard, author of “Fed Up with Flat Faith.” Kathy’s book inspired the series “Battling Boredom: My Struggle with a Flat Faith.”

Kathy helps women live an unshakeable faith for life by encouraging them to stand firm on our rock-solid God no matter the circumstances of life. The author of five books, Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and a certificate in women’s ministry. She has been teaching the Bible for over 25 years and speaks regularly at women’s retreats and events.

Kathy and her husband live in the Houston area and have three children, a son-in-law, and one precious grandbaby. When the family gets together there are also four dogs in the mix.  Find out about her books and speaking ministry and get discipleship tools and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org.

Flat Spots Here and There – Part 2

In my last guest post, I shared one of my temporary falls into flat faith and how God brought me out. Today I want to tell you about another that occurred about 10 years ago.

Life was good. My marriage was solid. Our kids were healthy and happy. Our bills were paid. We had lots of sweet friends and a church we loved. Other than that five pounds I wanted to lose, I couldn’t think of any real problems in my life.

In contrast, several of my girlfriends were dealing with serious issues like life-threatening illnesses, job loss, and rebellious teenagers. As I walked with them through these troubles I noticed something. They were growing spiritually, but I was not.

My lack of problems seemed to be my problem. My spiritual growth had stagnated because things were just too easy. My friends were learning to trust and depend on God through their difficulties, but I could simply depend on myself.

God answered. Within just a few months our family faced numerous painful situations that forced us to lean on God. For instance, our house flooded. My mother-in-law was killed in a car accident. My husband’s job moved us from Alberta to Texas.My desire to grow more Christ-like moved me to do something risky. I began to pray that God would refine me. Even when He reminded me in His Word that He refines His children through the fire of trials, I continued to pray for spiritual refinement.

Please hear me on this. I am not saying God caused these things. But I do know God used these things for His purposes and my good. I began to learn to trust Him. To depend on Him to strengthen and provide. And I saw His loving hand in every circumstance.

When I was willing to surrender my “easy” life to God’s purposes, He could work in the coming trials to refine my character and grow my faith. My experience with Him through these trials once again revitalized my relationship with Christ.

Most Christians will experience temporary periods of “flat faith.”  If you’ve been struggling spiritually or your faith feels dry, maybe you’re dealing with a bout yourself. Take a moment to check out this post. It defines “flat faith” and lists 10 possible indicators. God wants you to experience vibrant, exciting, pumped up faith, so don’t be content with where you are.

DISCUSSION: What steps do you need to take to experience a pumped-up faith? What steps have you taken in the past that have resulted in a pumped-up faith?

This is part 1 of a 2-part series by Kathy Howard, author of “Fed Up with Flat Faith.” Kathy’s book inspired the series “Battling Boredom: My Struggle with a Flat Faith.”

Kathy helps women live an unshakable faith for life by encouraging them to stand firm on our rock-solid God no matter the circumstances of life. The author of five books, Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and a certificate in women’s ministry. She has been teaching the Bible for over 25 years and speaks regularly at women’s retreats and events.

Kathy and her husband live in the Houston area and have three children, a son-in-law, and one precious grandbaby. When the family gets together there are also four dogs in the mix.  Find out about her books and speaking ministry and get discipleship tools and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org.

Flat Spots Here and There – Part 1

I had several “fears” surrounding the release of my new book “Fed Up with Flat Faith.” The first was that no one would buy it. The second was that people would buy it and not like it. Of course, then the Holy Spirit reminded me that my purpose in writing is to obey and please God. The results are up to Him; God can do whatever He wants with it.

But I have another concern I think is legitimate and I want to talk with you about it over the two guest posts Kari has so graciously given me. I don’t want anyone to think my faith is 100% pumped, 100% of the time. That would certainly be discouraging for those who experience the normal ups and downs of the Christian life.

I have to constantly check my attitudes and discipline my behavior to stay in the middle of God’s exciting activity. And even then I occasionally hit lows. The difference between my “now” and my “before” is that now, “flat” is the exception. Before, “flat” was the norm. It was all I had even known.  (Read the first chapter of “Fed Up with Flat Faith” to hear more of my story.)

One temporary period of flat faith hit me about fifteen years ago. It began when a friend received a cancer diagnosis. My initial reaction was natural and normal. Sadness for her and fear for what might lie ahead. Then came the anger – anger at God because He allowed this trial in her life.

Then I just simply started to shut God out. I spent less and less time fostering my relationship with Him. Soon, I got to a point where I didn’t pray or read my Bible at all.

It lasted six months. I woke up one morning with the Holy Spirit pressing in hard. I missed God. He was waiting. I got on my knees in repentance and turned back to the Savior.

In retrospect, I have a clearer picture of what went wrong. When I got the bad news I should have taken my hurt, questions, and anger to God. Instead, I shut Him out. My view of Him was too small. I didn’t trust Him to handle things. I had a limited, earthly perspective instead of an eternal one.

This period of flat faith was truly of my own making. I lost sight of God’s sovereignty and grace. I traded my eternal perspective for an earthly one. But God faithfully refreshed my memory and called me back to Himself.

DISCUSSION: What about you? Has there been a time where an earthly perspective threw you off track?

Be sure to check out the second half of this guest post in Flat Spots Here and There – Part II!