Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Step Out In Faith

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

-- John 15: 5

What is your plan for serving Christ? Do you have some grand idea of what you'll do when you have more time, more money, more energy? Are you filled with good intentions but somehow life always seems to get in the way of what you meant to do?

We seem to think that somehow our lives must be grand as we stand before the cross. We can't just give a little money, because that's not enough. We can't just volunteer a few hours because that couldn't possibly make a dent in all the work that needs to be done. We can't offer our limited skills because they are, after all, just basic labor. We're full of excuses and all out of reasons.

We get so caught up in that song that goes "'Me, Me, Me," that we can't hear God's voice calling our name. We forget that He never asks us to do anything alone. He is always there providing a way. All we have to do is step up and do exactly what the Holy Spirit is nudging us to do.

Oswald Chambers said, "Dreaming after God has spoken is an indication that we do not trust Him." I just heard a large chorus telling me that's not it at all. Think again. If we really trusted Him, we wouldn't hesitate to do whatever He called us to do. We would step out in faith, remembering that God can do anything. He can add pennies together to create a financial avalanche. He can pull together people with no skills and create a church. He can feed thousands with two fish and a few loaves of bread. Never underestimate the power of our God.

God planted us right where we are, not to stand here waiting for the right day, the right time, the right moment. He planted us here to grow, to use what He has given us to help others and glorify Him. He has given us whatever skills we need. He has provided us with however much money is required. He has given us all we need to accomplish what He has called us to do.

Don't get caught up in the cycle of excuses. Step out in faith. You'll be amazed at what can happen with God's power leading the way.