Part One: Faith Defined

I know that when I put faith in things before faith in God, I become frustrated and disconnected from God and others.  When my first priority is to seek approval and understanding from others, my expectations fall short and I am left feeling undesirable and wronged.  Often, I am upset with God--- or more accurately, I am disappointed in my efforts to relate to God.  So, instead of dealing with the issue at hand and chatting with the Lord, I find myself hiding out and looking for fulfillment outside of prayer.  I like what Alsdorf, the author, has to say about constantly realigning her thoughts, speech, and attitudes.  I am also tired of dead faith--- thinking of growing with God and not following through.  The first thing I want to do in times of decision-making, trial, and celebration is turn to the Lord.  Faith, to me, is following through in coming before Jesus and trusting in His ways through thick and thin, through joy and persecution.