Am I the Only One?

Sometimes when I read or hear about miraculous stories of healing or reconciliation, I am greatly encouraged. When I hear about a couple who has struggled for years with infertility finally having a baby, or stories of God bringing two people together in marriage in such an incredible, undeniably God-way, or of other dreams finally coming true, it often gives me hope for the future.

But other times, I find myself thinking, "That's great for them, but that would never happen to ME."

I do believe that God can work any miracle that He so chooses. But sometimes I struggle to wholeheartedly believe without a doubt that He wants to work miracles in my life. I don't know why my faith is so weak at times.

When I see people whose dreams have been realized far beyond what they hoped for, it should strengthen my hope that my dreams can also come true. But honestly, I don't always feel that way. It's very frustrating to go through cycles of feeling extremely hopeful and trustful, and then times of doubt.

I suppose that I should be thankful that these are just cycles and not constant doubts. I'm not the only one who goes through this, right?


O, for a faith that will not shrink,
Though pressed by every foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe!

That will not murmur nor complain
Beneath the chastening rod,
But, in the hour of grief or pain,
Will lean upon its God.

A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without;
That when in danger knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt.

That bears, unmoved, the world’s dread frown
Nor heeds its scornful smile;
That seas of trouble cannot drown,
Nor Satan’s arts beguile.

A faith that keeps the narrow way
Till life’s last hour is fled,
And with a pure and heavenly ray
Lights up a dying bed.

Lord, give me such a faith as this,
And then, whate’er may come,
I’ll taste, e’en here, the hallowed bliss
Of an eternal home.
("O for a Faith That Will Not Shrink"; Lyrics: William H. Bathurst, 1831)