As I step out into a new season of learning to follow Christ and live by faith in a different manner than before, I decided some of my few blog readers might enjoy “following” me in this journey. Besides… for me, blogging is a great way to process what I’m learning.
By way of introduction:
I am halfway to completion of my Bachelors degree in Human Services/Management. I’m doing this degree online, which has proven to be a convenient – albeit expensive – endeavor. I’m able to work full time as I go to school, which allows me to pay as I go (I’m not interested in going onto the field with debt!). As God has spoken into my heart to speed up the school process a bit, I am ready and willing to do whatever He’s calling me to, even if it doesn’t make sense to me financially. In that, I am excited to see Him provide step by step.
Disclaimer:
I’m sure I will have some readers who are uncomfortable with the idea of my “on the edge” living financially. I believe wholeheartedly that there is a season to save and invest financially, however, Jesus also told his disciples at one point to go out into the field, taking nothing with them – but trusting God to provide. I believe I’m living in a season of learning to trust Him. I am in a great environment to do that, with the safety net of my family, friends and church body. So what if I were to step out into something He has not called me to, placing my full trust in Him? He will still catch me as I learn to rely on His direction.
Foolishness
It’s so easy to speak words of assurance to those who are concerned about me and my venture of faith. “Don’t worry, brother, I won’t do anything foolish.” This is all right and good, if you look at all that Proverbs has to say about the fool. I should never do things just because they’re risky, or dangerous, or “on the edge.” However, Psalms says one thing about a fool that sticks out to me: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God'” (Psalm 14:1). The most foolish thing we can do is to deny God.
Many of us claim the existence of God with our lips but by our actions we deny His power. We make Him out to be weak, to be unable and unwilling to help us in our time of need. That is foolishness.
Besides, wasn’t it foolish…
-For Elijah to dump water on his sacrifice before he asked God to ignite it?
-For Joshua to ask God to extend the day so they could win a battle?
-For Beniah to chase a lion into a pit on a snowy day?
-For David to go at Goliath with only a slingshot?
-For Gideon to take only a few men along with an artillery of torches, jars, and trumpets?
-For Peter to step out of the boat and expect to actually walk on top of the water?
-For Jesus to pull a coin out of a fish’s mouth?
-For Jesus to command Lazarus to come out of the grave?
-For Jesus to promise that we would heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and be able to trust Him every step of the way?
The Word of God is full of stories about Christ-followers doing things that appeared foolish to the world – and even to other believers. But the distinguishing factor in each of these stories is that they were simply following Christ step-by-step and doing just what He said to do.
That is the life I want to live. I don’t want to miss out on what God says because I’m trying to “not do anything foolish.” I want to live in a way that gives Him ultimate glory, displaying His wonder-working power in my life.
THAT is life by faith.