If there is one thing that most Christians will all admit to doing, it is wondering at times whether we should wait on God to act, or take a leap of faith.
When does faith mean sitting quietly by waiting on something to happen, or taking the initiative to make a leap of faith to make something happen, solve a problem, or reach a goal?
Many Christians would probably believe that we should simply sit back and wait for God to perform. For example, you have written a book, but are afraid to send it to publishers, because you feel God should open the first door. You want a new job, but you are not looking, because you think God should drop one in your lap if it is meant to be. You want to go out and share God's love with others, but you are hesitant to try to call on churches, for fear that people will think you are trying to push yourself on others.
There are times when we have to decide which of these two faith choices we will make. In every situation in life, we are left to determine whether we need to have passive faith, or active faith.
Passive faith is most applicable when we are waiting patiently for the Lord to act on our prayer requests. We need faith to believe that Christ will send the answer or resolve the issue in a way that we would have no input or control over. Scripture does tell us to be still and know that God is working. Such as, if a loved one is sick, a relationship is damaged, a pain from our past is burdening our heart, or we are struggling with unforgiveness, we need a miracle or divine healing - in those instances, we must wait for God to move in our hearts or the hearts of others.
In these types of situations, we most definietly need to pray, be still, and wait to see what God is going to do, and how He is going to move. And then we have to believe that whatever happens, is the answer to our prayer, even if it is not exactly the answer we wanted or had hoped for.
However, there are times when Scripture tells us that we should take personal responsibility. Many biblical characters stepped out in faith to pursue a goal - such as David fighting Goliath; Moses crossing the Red Sea; Paul knocking on doors to share the gospel; Esther confronting the king to save her people. Those things took guts - but also great faith. Each of these people took huge leaps of faith and trusted God, but they did not do it by being idle.
Are you ready to take a leap of faith? Are you ready for a challenge, to see what you are capable of through God's strength, but also to see God actively and powerfully move in your life? The thought of God running beside me as I step out in faith to pursue a dream or goal or special prayer need,simply thrills me! I hope it does you too.
Many Christians would probably believe that we should simply sit back and wait for God to perform. For example, you have written a book, but are afraid to send it to publishers, because you feel God should open the first door. You want a new job, but you are not looking, because you think God should drop one in your lap if it is meant to be. You want to go out and share God's love with others, but you are hesitant to try to call on churches, for fear that people will think you are trying to push yourself on others.
There are times when we have to decide which of these two faith choices we will make. In every situation in life, we are left to determine whether we need to have passive faith, or active faith.
Passive faith is most applicable when we are waiting patiently for the Lord to act on our prayer requests. We need faith to believe that Christ will send the answer or resolve the issue in a way that we would have no input or control over. Scripture does tell us to be still and know that God is working. Such as, if a loved one is sick, a relationship is damaged, a pain from our past is burdening our heart, or we are struggling with unforgiveness, we need a miracle or divine healing - in those instances, we must wait for God to move in our hearts or the hearts of others.
In these types of situations, we most definietly need to pray, be still, and wait to see what God is going to do, and how He is going to move. And then we have to believe that whatever happens, is the answer to our prayer, even if it is not exactly the answer we wanted or had hoped for.
However, there are times when Scripture tells us that we should take personal responsibility. Many biblical characters stepped out in faith to pursue a goal - such as David fighting Goliath; Moses crossing the Red Sea; Paul knocking on doors to share the gospel; Esther confronting the king to save her people. Those things took guts - but also great faith. Each of these people took huge leaps of faith and trusted God, but they did not do it by being idle.
Are you ready to take a leap of faith? Are you ready for a challenge, to see what you are capable of through God's strength, but also to see God actively and powerfully move in your life? The thought of God running beside me as I step out in faith to pursue a dream or goal or special prayer need,simply thrills me! I hope it does you too.
I have learned that God actually gives us much greater control to change different circumstances in our lives than we tend to think. God's will will always take precedence over our own desires and it will always preside - but He delights in our ambition to serve Him. Let's give Him a chance to see what we can do for His glory, as we put aside fears, insecurities, doubts, and hesitations. Nothing is impossible with our Jesus!
If you are up to a challenge of faith, visit my blog again on Wednesday, July 23rd - when the FAITH ZONE CHALLENGE begins. It will be a five day journey which will open the gate for God to rush into your life - I plan on committing to this challenge myself, and I hope you will join me!
If you are up to a challenge of faith, visit my blog again on Wednesday, July 23rd - when the FAITH ZONE CHALLENGE begins. It will be a five day journey which will open the gate for God to rush into your life - I plan on committing to this challenge myself, and I hope you will join me!
Are you with me? See you then.
7 comments:
Do I want to challenge my faith? Yep! Count me in! I can't wait to experience a stronger faith!
Hugs!
I with you sister! I feel the Lord telling me that the past eight months were my time for mourning and that the next eight or more are my time for dancing! (I'm a terrible dancer, but hopefully God won't mind!)
I love the idea. I will join in.
Charlene
Sounds good to me! I have been feeling God telling me for the past few months to get out of my comfort zone. I have been taking little baby steps...ready for some leaps now!
Looking forward to your next posts.
Blessings,
Starr
I am walking by faith. I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds.
Tracie, I'm so glad I found this post here tonight. I know your 5 "Faith Challenge" posts are already here, but just because I missed them on the days you posted them, doesn't mean I can't come back for the next 5 days and join the challenge. I'm so there!
Just yesterday my blog post was entitled, "By Faith Joy...", recaping a journey I just took at "She Speaks" from fear to faith. I'm so up for another challenge! Don't want to live in yesterday's memories, but today's experience!
"See" you tomorrow.
Blessings,
Joy
Tracie, I just got on the band wagon but I am ready as well. My faith has been restored. I feel God speaking to my heart again concerning My Web Ministry. Women Empty Burdens Ministries in Tupelo,Ms. I took the back seat to it.I yearn in my spirit to see young ladies as well as women in general be whole.
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