The Question of Faith | UMC YoungPeople
Connecting young people and their adult leaders to God, the church, and the world
Discipleship Ministries
About News Contact Us
Home Lead Serve Grants Scholarships Podcasts Events
About News Contact Us Discipleship Ministries
Young People's Ministries
Lead Serve Grants Scholarships Podcasts Events
10
October 2018

The Question of Faith

By Meli’sa-Kaye Robotham

By Meli’sa-Kaye Robotham



There are times I allow myself to think, hope, and dream strictly within the confines of my limitations. These limitations determine: which areas of study I can pursue, what I can afford, which jobs I can consider, where I can live, etc. It would be imprudent to disregard these restrictions. It's reasonable to operate within our limitations. It requires so much to work hard, sacrifice, earnestly pray, all towards a specific outcome which may never be realised. It has become more obvious to me that instead of asking, “Why not?”, the question I often ask myself is, “How can I possibly?”



But then, I also think, "Where is my faith?" Shouldn’t I possess faith which can remove great obstacles? Haven't I been advised against doubting? In fact, I have been reassured that my prayers will be answered, once I believe this (Mark 11: 22-24).



Nevertheless, the period of waiting and hoping remains remarkably difficult! I have even reached the point where I confronted God, “This is your moment to show yourself by removing all hindrances!” A recent conversation with my friend let me know that she’s had similar desperate moments, where she identified herself to God and then stated that it would have been good time to let her know what to do.



When you earnestly want something and you think you’ve done everything possible to achieve it, yet it remains unattainable, it hurts immensely. The fear of making a wrong decision, or that you've made the wrong choices all along can become overwhelming. While waiting, I frequently wonder if I am praying for the right things. “Is my will in line with God’s will?” Waiting often becomes an opportunity to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).



Sadly, I have also discovered that while I may be hoping and praying for miracles, I’m not always prepared to follow through on what I believe. Occasionally there have been instances where my prayers were answered, and I suddenly became disappointed with myself. I subsequently perceived that I didn’t fully expect to receive the things for which I prayed. I had thought that the odds against me were too numerous. I realized that I didn’t want to appear silly, or lazy, and so I needed to have backup plans. I was trying desperately to figure everything out; to have all the right answers. I have observed that my faith wanes if I am asked a lot of questions. My doubts and fears resurface because I don’t always have specific answers regarding the future. I then attempt to discern whether I’m being idealistic and foolish, or if I’m truly acting on my faith.



I urge you to consider the following questions.




  • Do we dare to act on the faith we claim to possess?

  • Do we wait expectantly or doubtfully?

  • Are we able to determine if our will is in line with God’s?



Youth Small Groups Family Devotionals Faith Formation Faith Formation and Teaching
Meli’sa-Kaye Robotham grew up in Jamaica. She relocated to Grenada when she was seventeen years old. There, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and worked for different organizations. In 2016, Meli’sa-Kaye was assigned to work in Frankfurt, Germany as a Global Mission Fellow. Her position as Youth and Senior Services Associate gave her the opportunity to interact with different age groups while learning about the culture. She considers this experience to be her most rewarding and best-loved work-related experience. Meli’sa-Kaye enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and listening to different genres of music. She also enjoys watching episodes of Peanuts and reading the comic books in German. Those are her two current favorite hobbies. In the future, Meli’sa-Kaye plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Intercultural Theology.