Taking It to Work:
The most difficult thing, and arguably the most critical thing, about living out our life as a Christian is actually having a real, working faith. I have often wondered why God does not make His presence known more clearly to those He loves. Why does He often seem silent or distant when we need Him the most? Why doesn’t he make Himself manifest like he did for the folks we read about in the Bible? Why doesn’t He give all His children dreams and visions, or knock us off our horse, or call our name audibly in the night? And then why does the writer of Hebrews say that without faith it is impossible to please God? He explains it a little by saying that you’ll never seek Him or draw near if you don’t have faith that He exists, but at the same time, if we struggle with believing that God is really there, then as implied, the very act of drawing near and seeking Him seems like a waste of time. And if that’s the feeling, we will busy ourselves with other things.
And it happens. Many who sit next to us in church on Sunday live the rest of the week with very little thought of God. They go to work, pay their bills, treat others kindly, raise families, and find things to enjoy. Then right on time, Sunday rolls around again, and off to church for another cycle. Not much seeking, not much praying, basically because there’s not much faith that it’s really worth doing.
What’s the answer? Start with reading the promises He has given us in Scripture. Walk in the ways He is calling you to walk, and then look for the promises of God to be fulfilled. He is faithful to those who put their faith in Him. He wants you to take the first steps, to trust in His Word for you. As uncomfortable as that may be, that’s His way, at least typically.
Once you get used to following His lead, stepping out, repeatedly taking a chance following His voice, you will see His hand move, and your faith will grow. Do that enough, and you will be stepping out more, and you will see His hand more, and your faith will grow more. At least that’s how it has been with me, and many others I have met along the journey. Listen, obey, and then watch God do His part. Every time my faith gets stronger, yours will too, as His Word works in you, today.
2 Cor 5:7 (ESV) – For we walk by faith, not by sight.
Deut 13:4 (ESV) – You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.
Ps 18:25 (NIV) – To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
Heb 11:6 (ESV) – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
Hope is assured in faith. Little is expected of the world and its ways, but in faith there is great expectation. You know My voice. I give comfort to the afflicted. In faith they find peace. Walk as one who has reassurance, who fears not, for promises given to those who believe. Faith brings confidence in He who cannot lie. My Word gives life, and it cannot be removed. My hand protects in love, and my grip does not fail. Your struggle will end in victory. In My way you will find peace; My hand guides. From eternity past you are Mine. Fear not the path in which I lead. It is not one of the world, but one of your Father who knows a greater destination. Have faith in Me and the One who has sent Me. My Spirit is with you in each turn.
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