Great Faith
When I see so many Christians giving up, falling into depression, and looking like they have lost a battle, I think of faith. I often wonder what the difference is between, those who stay in the boat, and those who say, in Matthew 14:28, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." Most Christians stay in the boat, especially when the battle gets fierce. Everyone, except Peter, stayed in the boat, waiting to see what would happen. I bet their faith was paralyzed with amazement and curiousity. Meanwhile, Peter having great faith, stepped out into darkness, into the unknown, and all because he seen, that was where The Lord was. His heart was in the right place, but then his brain said, "what are you doing? you're going to drown!" We often let our brain, which has been trained, to only understand what we can see, take control. I think this is what separates faith from Great Faith. God wants us to step out of the boat, and continue to keep our eyes on him. When we keep out eyes on Jesus, without looking off, trusting in His Righteousness, we will never fail. We will see tough times. We will be tested. We will be called out of the boat. Will you go? What is your breaking point? In Exodus 20:18, When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram's horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. God is all powerful. He and He alone can keep you from sinking into the dark abyss. The Israelites were afraid, because their brains were speaking to them. They should have listened to their hearts. Hearts can be deceiving, but those who have received a new heart from God, should listen closely. When God speaks we should listen. Often, I've seen Sons and Daughters of God not listen, because God says things we don't want to hear some times. No Lord, that's too hard, I don't want to go through that. Even when God does tell us why, we often don't like the answer. Then we sit back and wonder why God doesn't use us for anything greater. I think of this often, as the storms of problems roll around me. I have often asked God to bend me and break me, if that's what I need. When I pray this, I usually start to cry, because I know what I'm asking, and I don't like it, but I bet I need it. What is the cost for Great Faith? How is my faith seen by others? When I fail, what do I do about it? I have learned some lessons the hard way, and those hard lessons have become a part of me, like the scars on my face. We never seem to learn things the easy way. This is why we are tested, this is why we go through tough times. God wants us battle ready. He wants us to be bold and fearless. I use to think he wants us to be strong. If we feel strong, often we think we can do something, alone and without God. We need to lean on God's strength. God's strength will conquer Giants, will kill Lions and bears, and will do wonderful and amazing things. Our strength will come to an end. Like Paul said, in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." I don't know how many times I've asked a brother or sister in Christ, "have you prayed about this," and the answer is "no." This is because we get ahead of God. We must wait on God's direction. We need him to derive the battle plan. With God, there will be no failure, without God, you will see defeat on your journey. Don't take that journey without God packing for you. Strive for Great Faith, test all Spirits, pray as your life depends on it, because it does. Never give up on anyone. Forgive to be forgiven.
Soldier4lordJesus
3-31-2016