A student

One of the greatest blessings that I am thankful for everyday of my life is that God has always strategically placed mentors in my life. From the time I began to follow the Lord I cannot think of a time that someone didn't walk into my life and take me under their wing. I've had friend's parents, coaches, youth pastors, lead pastors, ministers, counselors, pastor's wives, you name it, God has always provided someone that was willing to pour into me individually.

It's sort of a joke in my circle right now that my love language is correction or discipline. Obviously this isn't my love language but it is a main way that I feel loved. I desire someone in my life who will encourage me but is more than willing to be honest with me and show me areas of my life that I need to grow. Right now my mentor does exactly that and I absolutely LOVE it.

She recently sat me down to explain an area that she saw that needed some work. This was the area of faith.

I knew when she said it how right she was. I have faith, but who couldn't use more? It's amazing what you can stretch your faith out for when dealing with others, but when it comes to your own personal life it's harder. It's hard to believe God will move miraculously when you're the one in the midst of the situation, or you're the one that feels the pain, or you're the one that has the bank account that is low, or you're the one that doesn't feel peace... It's hard to have faith when everything you see tells you the opposite of faith.

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please Him.

We have to believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

He is what? He is the I AM. He is everything He says in the Word that He is. I believe God rewards those that diligently seek Him. I've seen Him do it.

I am about to launch into a 9 month personal study of faith. I'm going to dive deep to find everything the Word says about faith and what faith should look like in me. If it takes faith to please Him and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, then I want faith and I know where to find it. I'm excited about this and ready to share what God teaches me.

As you check back over the next few months it'll mainly be lessons on faith as I take this journey... and of course my occasional updates :)

I want to please Him.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate