Stepping out the door is much riskier than we realize. Sadly, many leave home to never return. Yet, we Christians commit the day to the Lord and trust that we will make it home safely. Praise God that He answers our petitions.
Given how normal it is to go and come daily, we often overlook the reality that the measure of faith it takes to step out the door is the exact amount needed to also face the huge challenge keeping us up at night. Instead, we erroneously believe that complex problems require a larger faith quota, neglecting the fact that God has given us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). The measure of faith He knew we would need for the season we are in.
Take David, for instance. When he met Goliath on the battlefield, he didn't need some special dose of faith. His faith at that moment wasn't any larger than the level he had when shepherding in the wilderness. He noted that the God who protected him from the lions and the bears would be the same God who would protect him from Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37). Translation: he didn't need to have more faith when facing the giant than he did when facing wild beasts.
Unlike David, many of us have placed our faith in a cage, thinking it is too small for certain issues. When that happens, we set our faith to the side and don't use it. Suddenly, all we see are the giants in our way, forgetting that God can help us just as He has during past Jericho Moments. A thought crosses our mind - if only I had more faith... We believe that a bigger 'opponent' requires a bigger level of faith. That is a lie from the devil and it is one we must quickly resist. No believer can afford to allow satan's deception to convince them that there are different sizes of faith required for different issues.
As His children who live for Him, God is always with us. He's capable enough to do all sorts with the mustard seed of faith we've got. In His loving-kindness, He allows us to ask for a sign of His goodness - for reassurance - when we need it (Psalm 86:17). Even Jesus acknowledged that our faith can struggle when He encouraged all to believe in the evidence of His works, at the very least, (John 14:11). However, these approaches cannot be the norm for Christians. Children of God are to learn to rely on their faith and thus trust in Him to get them through the good and the bad.
The Bible tells us that faith is a gift granted by God's Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9). It is a precious gift given to all who believe in Christ and submit to His authority. Let us, therefore, uncage our faith and trust God with the portion we have received. And when our faith is challenged, let us not overly focus on how much of it we don't have. When that happens, we allow guilt and sadness to creep in, to the devil's delight. Rather, let each of us learn from the apostles who cried out “Increase our faith!” in Luke 17:5. You can do the same.
Be sure to join us for fellowship at Noon EST today. We shall put our faith to work praising the Lord and praying for the needs of others. Then we shall call on God to help us uncage our faith.
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for once again turning our attention to the issue of faith. Thank You for teaching us to see things a little differently and to have more of your perspective on the matter.
As we step away from fellowship, help us to not forget what we've learned. I call on You God, to cover us so that the devil will not steal the seed You have placed in us today for we know its aim is to steal, kill and destroy.
I cover all of today's participants in Your loving grace and mercy. I call on You to meet them at their points of need. I decree that Your glory rises upon them and the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays for them because they revered Your name enough to make the time to fellowship this day (Malachi 4:2).
To You be all the glory and the praise IJMN, Amen!!