April 9, 2018

Step Out In Faith

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

What’s impossible for God? Nothing. You know the answer without me having to say a word. But do you believe it? Really? Words are easy to speak but faith, well, that’s not always easy.

Many years ago I wanted to build a children’s chair that would be both fun and structurally sound. I drew a large flower and cut it out of pine wood. It would replace the slats on the chair back.

My father, who generally knew more about construction that me, said it would never work. I wanted to try anyway. He refused to help me put the chair together. He viewed it as a waste of time.

I waited patiently. It wasn’t long before my parents headed out for a long weekend trip. I spent those days gluing (Yes, you read that right. I used glue.) two chairs together. It was a painstaking process that required me to glue one piece at a time, always making sure it was in exactly the right position, then let it dry before heading back to add another piece.

The chairs were done before my parents returned. My idea had worked. The glue was so strong and the structure so sound, that even I could sit on them without catastrophe. I made many of those chairs – using screws – and branched out into fish and sailboats, tea cups and cowboy hats. It was fun and the kids loved it.

I’d like to say that my father never again doubted my ideas. That wouldn’t be true. He believed in doing things the way they’d always been done. If no one had ever done it, then it couldn’t be done. I believed in trying new things and stretching my artistic wings. If it failed, so what? Try anyway.

I wonder sometimes how many things never get done in God’s kingdom because someone is standing there saying it can’t be done. How often do we limit ourselves and our God because someone is there questioning every step we take?

What has God called you to do? Have you held back because of time, money, support? Are you afraid to step forward because it’s something you’ve never done? Do it anyway. God doesn’t call us to do something and then abandon us on the journey. He calls us to step out in faith and then He equips us every step of the way.

That’s hard for some of us. I want a plan. I know. That’s kind of surprising for an artist and a writer. But I like the security of knowing how things are going to unfold, what the days ahead will bring, and how I’ll juggle it all. God says not to worry about those things. He’s enough. I know that. But I’m also like the child in the backseat continually asking questions. I can’t seem to shut it all off and just enjoy the moments as they unfold. I miss so much because of that.

I’m thankful for the times I stepped out in faith and did something no one else believed I could. And I regret the times I held back because all those around me told me I couldn’t. I wish I had trusted God more. I wish I had believed enough in Him to know He had my back and it would all turn out for my good and His glory.

What is God calling you to do today? Step out in faith. You might end up amazing yourself and all the naysayers around you.

January 6, 2016

Ask Boldly and Believe

 

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

-- Mark 9:17-24

God can do anything. We know that. The real question is this: Do you believe that God will do anything?

Ah, there you go. That causes a pause, doesn’t it? Because even though we know God can grant our requests, we’re really not sure He will.

I’ve begun preparing to lead a new study on prayer. The writers ask us to list seven things we’re committed to pray for every day. Sounds easy. But think about it. Really think about it. What do you really want? What do you need? And what would bring God glory?

Yeah. That’s right. God glory. Not you. Not me. God. That big fine house in a fancy neighborhood probably won’t bring God glory. Inviting the elderly widow to supper just might. Do you see the difference?

God always hears our prayers and He always answers. Sometimes He takes a while, teaching us patience and perseverance. Sometimes He says no, reminding us that He has something better up ahead for us. And sometimes God rewards our faith by giving us exactly what we want.

So what do you want to pray about? Get specific. Do you need a job? Do you want your child to love Jesus? Do you want to spend more time volunteering? Do you want to create fun family experiences?

Then go boldly before God’s throne. Ask Him, believing in His power and His love for you.

February 12, 2014

 This comes from my friend DeWayne Wood. I found it to be inspirational. I hope you will too.

Only Believe †
He said, Come. So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, Lord, save me. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? Matthew 14:29–31 ESV

As the wind blew stronger, Peter began to be terrified. The water beneath his feet started to soften and in a panic he started to sink into the ...sea. Before this moment, Peter had cheerfully been walking across the top of the water. Now in a panic he cried: "Lord, save me!" and Jesus reached out and caught him. Jesus asked Peter one thing: "Why did you doubt?"

Peter had set out to do what the Lord Jesus had called him to do, and it was all working just the way that it should. Then the wind came and his faith wavered. He began to doubt that the Lord wanted him to do this at all. What was I thinking? This is crazy! What am I doing here? I am going to die! All these thoughts ran through his mind.

Fear is a spirit, and it will try and turn you back. So the Lord called you to step out in faith and now it is terrifying you. Don't give up. Do not panic. Only believe. God's plan for you has not changed and He is still calling you to come forth. Keep going.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

What Are Your Dreams?

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” -- John 20:29

What are your dreams? Are they all about the seemingly impossible? Or are they more goals than dreams? Maybe you want something with all your heart, but you just can’t see it happening.

I can’t imagine how Jesus’ followers felt when He died on that cross. Though He had tried to explain to them what would happen, honestly, they didn’t have a clue. How could they? Even now, all these years later, I marvel at the sacrifice, the pain and suffering, that Jesus endured for me.

Their dreams died on that cross. Or so they thought. Their leader was dead. Their friend was gone. What do you do when everything you’ve ever worked for is suddenly, and tragically, taken away? How do you even begin to rebuild your life when everything you’d planned for your future is gone?

The disciples believed Jesus but they didn’t understand. At least not until He returned. Because of Jesus, we know that this life isn’t the end. As believers, we know that heaven awaits. It’s not a dream. It’s a goal. A future. A promise.

We often give up our dreams before we even get started. We live in defeat because the world, or maybe past mistakes, are still dictating to us what we can achieve. We forget the power of the cross as we try to live under the power of ourselves. And fail. Again and again.

Jesus didn’t come to lead us to defeat. He came to lead us to victory. He came in love because God is love. I know. It’s impossible for us to truly understand how great is the love that He has for us. But He does. He loves us. No matter what. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Nothing can change His love for us.

So here we are. The suffering of the cross is now a memory. Jesus stands before us, offering us eternal life. We are to go forward and make new disciples. We are to love others, including our enemies. We are to do good to those who harm us. We are to care for widows and orphans. We are to show others that we belong to Him by how we live our lives.

Not in defeat. Not in shame for a past we cannot change. Not focused on regrets and sorrow. But with our heads high and our eyes wide open as we boldly reach for our dreams. Those same dreams we thought were out of our reach until we realized they were planted deep in our souls by the very one who loved us enough to send His Son to die for us.

What are your dreams? What has God called you to do?

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Believe God

"What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar."

-- Romans 3:-4a

It is so easy to believe what everyone else says, especially when they say it again and again and again. Their comments take over our minds and we fall right in line with what other people do and say. Most of the time we probably aren't even aware it.

We let other people's opinions shape our views and our values. We allow our past experiences to determine who we are today and will be tomorrow. We believe the worst of ourselves and think we can never be better than we are. All of it is just plain wrong.

"We must determine to allow nothing and no one to shape us, not even our personal experiences." Francis Frangipane wrote that in his book, The Three Battlefields. Beth Moore quoted it in her book and now I'm repeating it again. Maybe you can pass it on too. It's that important.

Frangipane goes on to write, "In truth, who is ruling our lives, God or our experiences?" He makes a good point. Just think about Paul. He'd done all he could to destroy the early Christians. He'd even been present when Stephen was stoned to death. Yet, Paul turned his life around after Jesus met him on that road. What if Paul had refused to try when he was first rebuffed by the Apostles? What if he'd decided he wasn't worthy to do Jesus' work because of who he'd been?

We are worthy not because of who we are but because of who He is. When God calls us to do something, whatever it might be, He'll provide us with the skills and means to do it. Why do we doubt? Why do we believe the naysayers over God? Why do hold their opinions as more valid that the voice of our Creator?

Satan loves to plant doubts in our minds. He's quick to point out all our faults, frequently using those around us to help him. He'll remind you of everything you've ever done wrong, every time you've ever failed, and every insecurity you've ever had. Satan wants to drive a wedge between you and God. Don't let him.

Believe God in all things and at all times. Believe Him. No matter where you've been or what you've done, God can and will restore you. Ask and you will receive. He forgives those who repent and call out to Him. Do not let your personal experiences or the comments of nonbelievers convince you that you are not worthy to be His child and do His bidding.

"Everything is possible for him who believes."

 --Mark 9:23b

Believe.