Before I learned my true identify in Christ, I lived decades in a “feelings-facts-faith” mindset. I depended on my feelings (my emotions) to influence my choices and my thoughts. I rarely progressed to the “facts” (my choices were already made) of the matter. Faith was just something I talked about in Sunday School or heard in church. It was rarely a factor in helping me make life choices.
On my winding road to sanctification the Holy Spirit is teaching me that my feelings trigger one of two responses. Hurtful things said to me or done to me triggered a reaction. My reactions were usually immediate and based on how the hurt made me feel. Then the conversation usually escalated to anger. And nothing got resolved.
Now, I can take something hurtful said or done to me and weigh it against Scripture and God’s truth (what the facts are). Then I can respond by putting my faith in God. Nailing to the cross. Releasing it. And forgiving the offender.
I am learning bit-by-bit to check my feelings, seek the facts (the truth) then respond in faith. Am I able to get to faith in God every time? No. This is relatively new to me. A new course in my sanctification. The Holy Spirit is teaching me day by day, experience by experience.
I can say that when I’m able to respond and not react, I allow my trials and hurts to progress from feelings to facts to faith. When that happens I experience unprecedented and soul-gratifying joy and growth in Christ I’ve never felt before.
For His Glory 