Making it Real

Our new grandson Noah (with arms up)

Just knowing we were expecting another grandchild was exciting. The anticipation grew while watching the pregnancy and seeing David and Debbie's faces beam as they talked about becoming parents. Over the months we prayed, we waited and grew more and more excited. On Wednesday night, we heard the news: Noah Alexander had arrived!

On Thursday we cleared our calendars and took a short road trip to meet our new grandson. When we arrived in town we drove around, eagerly awaiting the afternoon "quiet hours" to pass so we could see his little face for the first time.

After joyous greetings and wrapping the new mom and dad in our arms, we settled down to get to know Noah. Holding him close to me made everything "real." I am forever in love. I can't get the little miracle out of my mind. He has captured my heart.

We could think about it and talk about it all we wanted, but living it in the flesh is what made it real.

It reminded me of how we make our faith real. We can have head knowledge, gravitate toward truth and recognize spoken wisdom. I can read the Bible and say, "That makes so much sense." I may feel I know what to do in a given circumstance, but actually doing it is an entirely different thing.

Can I endure under pressure, persevere through the wait, trust God for His plan in the trials of life? Only living through these circumstances -- practicing our faith -- will make it become real. Experience is the means by which God stretches our perspective, strengthens our faith and refines our character.

So in the midst of the struggle, may I remember that the real life experience is what allows us to live authentic lives for Him. It gives credence to what used to be just concept.

Our new grandson is much more than a wonderful concept now. As I joyfully reflect on this new blessing in our lives -- now beautifully real and known to us -- I trust in God in the areas that are yet unknown.

Lord, you are able and faithful and loving. Your gifts are better than anything we can dream up ourselves. You know what it will take to grow me in the ways I most need to grow. When you ask me to wait, to persevere, to trust, give me the courage to put my faith into practice and make it real.