Do you ever have one of those moments where, someone says something, or you smell a certain scent, or you hear a certain song, and you are instantly transported to another place and time?
Something triggers a memory so strong and so vivid that it’s as though you are almost there?
That happened to me on Monday. And it was actually thanks to one of you! 🙂
One of the things I love most about blogging is getting to interact with the people who read my blog. You all bless me with so much pertinent and powerful insight, I truly feel like I learn and absorb more from you all than I put out into the ether. I like to think of it as more of a blog dialogue than a blog “post.”
But anyways, this past Monday, one of you reminded me of a very specific Bible verse…one that I haven’t thought about in years, but was instrumental in where I am today.
The verse is from Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
And boy, when I heard that, it was as though I was catapulted back to a time and place where I was a very, very different girl.
This verse was spoken to me by a naturopathic doctor that helped save my life, when I was deep in the throes of both ulcerative colitis and anorexia, simultaneously.
They were happening at the same time – each one exacerbating the other. It was during high school, and I had deceived everyone that my severe case of anorexia was actually just complications from the ulcerative colitis. Which, initially, was true. But then the eating disorder sunk its claws into me, and the rest is history.
But this doctor….I had been trying everything to get out of this flare. My GI doc had put me on the highest dose of the steroid, Prednisone, and suffice it to say, it was diabolically detrimental to my mental and physical health.
And so, I had begun going to see this naturopath – salt of the earth – we’ll call him Dr. Bill.
He was a man of strong faith, and I’m telling ya…he knew that, in addition to the ulcerative colitis, I was actually enslaved to anorexia, but more importantly – he knew that what I was going through was actually spiritual warfare.
His spirit could sense it.
Not only did he suggest the Specific Carb Diet to me — which ultimately saved my life, — but he also suggested that I go to a spiritual healing service at his church. Which, I did. But, I was in no condition to go, spiritually. I had erected an impenetrable fortress around my heart and there wasn’t anyone who could get through to me.
But there was one appointment I remember specifically, where he introduced Hebrews 11:1 to me.
He told me to pray those words every single night. “Give me the faith to have confidence in what I hope for, and assurance in what I do not see.”
He knew. This kind, empathetic and spiritual man of God, knew exactly what I needed to be doing: surrendering my eating disorder – and my heart – to God.
Dr. Bill knew that deep down, the Caralyn I always was, was not this destructive and manipulative girl coming into his office. He could see though my impenetrable fortress, and saw the tired and terrified girl, trapped in the grips of the eating disorder, and more accurately, the enemy.
He knew. He knew that this was not me. He knew that I was being suffocated and I needed the confidence to break free from the chains, and the assuredness to know that when I did, Jesus would be there to catch me.
He wanted me to pray those words every night.
And like my slow adoption of the Specific Carb Diet, it wasn’t until I was at inpatient that I actually took his instruction to heart, and prayed those words. And wouldn’t you know, the very next day, I had my “breakthrough” moment where Jesus broke down my walls, and I accepted His love and He forgave me, and I not only admitted for the first time to having anorexia, but fully embraced recovery.
Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Right now, in 2021, we’re in one of those periods where it’s hard to have that confidence and assuredness. It feels as though we’ve been in a freefall for the last 11 months, and I’ll admit, I have had a few moments of doubt that Jesus is going to be there to catch us when this is through.
Hope is waning thin these days, and if there’s one thing I think we all need, it is confidence to have hope. Confidence in Jesus’ plan through the pandemic and its fallout. Confidence that we can get through this.
That is where faith steps in.
When God gave us that instruction, He wasn’t wishy washy about it. But rather, instructed us to have assurance in what we do not see. Assurance: a positive declaration, a promise.
A promise.
We have a Father who keeps His promises.
Tonight, may we boldly embrace the confidence and assuredness to walk in the hope of Christ.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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88 responses to “Confidence in 2021”
So powerful both your story, journey and verse! Be not weary! People hear and are encouraged by you!
Thank you so much! Oh my gosh, your words of encouragement absolutely touch my heart, thank you : ) Hugs and love xox
The translation I like best reads, “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for; the essence of things not seen.” Substance. Essence. Solid and core. Hope can be ephemeral and even disappointing when misplaced. But faith in God and His promises are substantive, palpable. It is at the very core of knowing what is unseen – the essence of the unseen.
This translation takes what might seem like a wisp of smoke and makes it solid and undeniable.
Having been close several times, I don’t fear death. I just fear how much it might hurt. The same is true of the pandemic and most other calamities; we’ll pull out of the nosedive…but when. There’s also the very real possibility that’ll we “auger in” as pilots euphemistically put it. Merge with the ground. There were a lot of martyrs in the early church who had great faith, but their faith was in the long game – eternity. They all “augured in.” Still, their hope was substantive, because it was placed in the long game of eternal salvation, not just temporal trials.
Faith in 2021? Nope. Just faith that God is stronger. Offered with *hugs.*
Hi Jeff! Oh wow, what an awesome translation. That totally gives it a new perspective! Not surprising though – after all, He is our ROCK and FIRM foundation!! 🙂 And thank you for sharing your heart on that. Faith in the long game, that sounds about right these days. we must always keep our eyes and hope on eternity, because that is our true home. We’re only just passing through this life. Which reminds me that this life is NOT Heaven, so I shouldn’t expect it to be! Amen – He is stronger! thanks again, Jeff! i hope you’re having a great week. Hugs and love to you and your girls! xox
“He is our ROCK.” I seem to recall a Christian song, which refrain says that. Haven’t heard it in years, but it was one of the few contemporary Christians songs I really enjoyed. It’s been a good week. Hope yours has been too!
I know it well! 🙂 oh yes, it has! i have my first in-person shoot tomorrow, i’m pretty excited!!
I’m giving myself a manicure right now for the occasion! hahah
That is GREAT news! Photo, video? National campaign???
Yes! It will be live online on Valentine’s Day! I’ll send you details 🙂
Please write a post about being “augered in”, Jeffrey. If you do, I will read it three times!
Challenge accepted! You do understand it’s a bad thing, right?
I took the term to mean what it meant in Daniel —to the three guys about to go into the furnace. Whether God saved them or not, they would not bow to the idol.
To me “Auger In” means going down in flames (if need be), but with faith in God intact.
well done, the words flow, there is inspiration in you, mind that talent, and as your blog shows, your own suffering is helping others; no suffering goes astray in the heart of a believer, amen
thankyou friend, I appreciate your kind words. We all have been through things, and i believe we go through them so that we can help others who may be going through something similar! so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
thanks for your warm words; true believers try to encourage others, well if we believe, we are lights, I too had a rescue of divine portions, amen
Yes, that is so true! We’re a family! 🙂
amen
🙂
Another version puts it this way about faith. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Same thought. While athiests like to poke fun at us for having faith in the unseen in actual fact they use faith every day in things they can’t see too. For example they have faith that when they activate a switch the room will light up for them. They can’t see electricity with their naked eye and need an instrument to see it at work. The complexity of the human body and other living systems is all the evidence I need that an intelligent designer is at work 24/7. And that is the God I worship. 🙂 Oh, in case someone picks me up on it I deliberately didn’t capitalize the letter a in athiest. LOL
ooh i like that translation! You’re absolutely right. There are many things we put blind faith in. And on that note, the human body is so beautifully complex…i think one of the strongest arguments for God!!! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Oh amen! Thanks for the great and painfully honest post. God bless!
thank you so much Pete for your kind words. Painful to live through, yes. How grateful am I that God redeems and glorifies all wounds 🙂 Hugs and love xox
[…] Confidence in 2021 […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Blog dialogue indeed! Friend, you don’t write plastic “blah” blog posts. No ma’am. Your’s are warm and fuzzy and ALIVE!!
I love how the Dr. encouraged you to utilize Hebrews 11:1 as a nightly prayer: “Lord, help me to be sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see.”
Frankly, (and I speak in love as a HUGE fan) this is the kind of post I love to see on your site. When you discuss politics it feels heavy and hard to read—even when I agree with you. But never mind me. I’m a Reagan Democrat who prefers the middle of the road.
As you say, “Hugs and Love.”
Oh my gosh, David, you just made me smile. thank you for that wonderful affirmation! Yes! he was a great doctor. I actually wrote him an “amends” letter at inpatient where i came clean to him and told him the truth that i had anorexia, and asked for his forgiveness, which he fully gave me. Aw, thanks! hope you have a wonderful weekend! Hugs and love xox
What a man…
I appreciate to hear about his ‘deep down’ perspective,
of knowing who you are. (Such can also be confrontational…)
And knowing Jesus would be there
.
Amen
Thanks David. Hugs and love xox
Impossible to imagine you as manipulative.
Thanks brad for saying that. Yeah, definitely another lifetime to say the least! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Blog dialogue. I like that. I wish I got more comments, but your writing style and blog genre lend themselves much more to dialogue than mine.
thank you so much Greg! 🙂 you’re kind to say that. I do love a healthy conversation! Hugs and love xox
Hebrews 11:1 is a good one indeed! Evidence of things unseen. I did not see the resurrected Christ, but many witnesses did, providing evidence. The way historical facts are verified. As a result I can have confidence! Faith is not a leap in the dark, but based on historical evidence God has provided. My hope is built on nothing less.
Thank you Rick for sharing your heart on this. So true!!! Hugs and love xox
[…] Confidence in 2021 […]
Thank you Tonya for the link up! Hugs and love xox
My beautiful friend, I am so thankful to and for Dr. Bill. What a great servant for our Lord. And my Great Aunt, a retired and never married missionary to Africa and then Haiti, just sent me this verse, “HE will keep in perfect peace whose mind is kept on Him,” (Isaiah 26:3). That is so important right now. Love you as always. Hugs!XO😃♥️
Hi Tonya! thank you so much for this beautiful response! Yes! i am so grateful to Dr. Bill too! He is such a good man! And what a powerful verse – i love that so much, thank you for sharing! love you friend! Hugs and love xox
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xoxoox 🙂 🙂 🙂
Beautiful ❤️
Thank you so much Gerry! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful prayer! A great reminder to keep faith even in the most difficult of times. God bless you!
Thank you so much friend! Yes! Even in the most difficult times! Hugs and love xox
Great post once again! I think I’ll start praying that verse each night–I could use a booth in faith 🙂 It’s not that I don’t think God CAN do anything, or that He’s unwilling…I’m just worn down from the “too many issues” assailing us all. Much love to you little Sister <3 Avia/Rene/Jael, etc 🙂
Thank you so much Avia! 🙂 Yes! It really is such a great and simple prayer that really packs a punch! hang in there friend. Praying with you! Hugs and love xox
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The hound of heaven found you and will not let you go 🥰 So thankful for His instrument Dr Bill. Love the inspiration of your sharing and the quotes you have given. Keep up the good work.
Hi friend, oh gosh thank you for such kind words. Yes! Dr. Bill is truly doing the Lord’s work! Hugs and love xox
Hugs to you too
xoxo 🙂
[…] Confidence in 2021 […]
Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
So beautiful post thank you so much
thanks. Hugs and love xox
You are a beautiful writer with a beautiful story. He is strength in our weakness. Thank you for sharing about God’s goodness!
oh my gosh thank you so much for such kind words! i really appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for such an inspiring post, Caralyn. In one of God’s coincidences, Dr Bill’s prayer fits exactly with my blogpost today, so I’ve used it – thank you for that as well as the encouragement! xx
Thank you so much Penny!! Yes! oh that’s great! it really is a small and simple prayer that packs a huge punch! 🙂 sending big hugs and love xoxo
I love how our sense can trigger a memory so strong that you are transported back to that point in time. God is so COOL!
You’re right – they really do! and yes He is! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Help is out there if you need it, you don’t have to keep going down the rabbit hole.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/03/tech/qanon-mom-former-believer/index.html
Thanksgiving and blessings amen hallelujah amen thank Jesus Christ amen 🙏
Thank you friend! and same to you!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
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🙂
My faith is at an all time low right now. Please could I ask for prayers from everybody this week.I will let you know about my week later. These bones are struggling.
Hang in there friend, I will absolutely be praying for you. I don’t know what you’re going through, but know that you are loved, and that with Christ, you can do all things!! I believe in you and am supporting you spiritually from NYC! Hugs and love xox
Amen Amen and Amen…
thank you so much friend! Hugs and love xox
[…] recently wrote about having Confidence in 2021. My comment to her included the idea of auguring in, and DavidsDailyDose challenged me to […]
Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful and perfect! All are wondering, “Where is God?” We need faith. This is a test of faith! We need to be reassuring each other continually. Well done!
thank you so much Sandman! 🙂 you’re right – we need faith now more than ever! Hugs and love xox
So thankful for faith and for naturopathic doctors. Blessings!
Me too, Shari! I don’t know where I’d be without Dr. Bill, truly! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn your message is so authentic and pure. Thank you for continuing to share not only the journey of your road to recovery but your continued journey with the Lord. The two are so beautifully entwined that the fullness of your Joy can be felt each time you give voice to it. Hugs to you for your steadfast bravery to do so.😘
thank you so much Dawn Marie. You are incredibly kind to say that. I always say, that if it weren’t for Jesus, I would have no recovery, becuase HE IS my recovery! 🙂 And boy, am I ever grateful for it! hope you have a wonderful day! Hugs and love xox
“Amen.” Your brother in Christ.
Thank you Dan! i appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
<3 <3 <3
Oh yes! That is such a beautiful and powerful verse! Thank you got sharing it with me! Hugs and love xox
Honey,
I understand where you have been more than you know. My most recent post matches yours in a way. It speaks of the cry of my heart and the fruit of my prayers.
https://jacintaknuth08.wordpress.com/2021/02/10/battle-cry/
Thank you so much. I appreciate your kindness. Looking forward to reading your post. Hugs and love xox
Wow. Really wonderful.
Amen! So very true sis! In full agreement with you!!! This message blessed me as always! Keep well and tell your family hello for me! 🙂 <3 hope you're doing well too.
thank you Tammy!! aw, good! i’m so glad this resonated with you! I certainly will! same for you! hope you’re having a wonderful week! sending massive hugs! xoxo
Most welcome hun! How are you? … Yes, yes always. You’re posts are always a great blessing. Great! Thanks! 😉 it was good! Awww right back to you & your FAM! <3