{Hope. Strength. Joy.} The Peace in Believing

Guest Post by Alisa Hope Wagner:



When God is stretching my faith, and He is asking me to take steps outside of my comfort zone, I have the same reoccurring dream – Elevators. When I dream about elevators, I’m always apprehensive to walk in them. They look unstable and ready to plummet to the earth. Though my mind is screaming for me to stay away, I realize that there is no other way for me to get to my destination (regretfully, there are never any stairs in my dream). I take a deep breath and step into the elevator, relinquishing control of my life.

In my dreams, the elevators have been wobbly, forcing me to balance in the middle. The elevators have taken me up when I wanted to go down. The elevators have even left the building, soaring across the city horizon like a gondola. I slide back and forth in my floating elevator, praying that I make it to wherever I’m supposed to go. In all of my dreams, I never reach my destination. I wake up relieved that the dream is over but upset that there is never any resolution.

I wonder if Noah felt like this when He was tossed about in the Ark during a storm that seemed to never end. Or if Abraham felt like this when He walked through a Promised Land where he was the stranger. Or if David felt like this when he hid in caves from a blood-thirsty king who claimed his throne. Or if Jesus felt like this when He willingly endured the shame of our sins on the cross.

How can we have peace when we obediently walk into circumstances that test our resolve and stretch our faith? Romans 15.13 promises that there is peace in believing. If we can just hold onto our belief in God’s faithfulness, in His promises and in His Word; we can claim peace that everything will turn out good for those who love Him and are committed to His purpose (Romans 8.28). Though all the circumstances around us may try to make us fear, we can stand firm in the knowledge that God’s ways are beyond our imaginings (Isaiah 55.8).

I have to trust that God’s plan is not limited to a man-made elevator. Though I have no idea what God may be doing, I have faith that He will show His glory in the middle of my confusion.

When my elevator finally makes it to its destination, my faith will be confirmed and strengthened. I will be filled with a fresh power to face my next trip of faith on another crazy elevator ride; and, hopefully, this time I will sit in complete peace instead of hanging on for dear life.

Alisa Hope Wagner

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Alisa's true hope with her writing is that through it people are brought closer to God! Learn more about Alisa and her writing endeavors on her blog: