November 24, 2009

There is a story of a tightrope walker who walked across a rope stretched between two buildings. Surely he would die if he fell. He attempted it once and made it and the crowd went wild. Then again…the crowd cheered. Next he turned to the crowd and asked, “Do you believe I can walk across this rope to the next building?” They all screamed, “Yes!” He then asked them, “Do you believe I can walk across this rope with someone on my shoulders?” They were all in a state of euphoria and screamed even louder, “YES!” The tightrope walker then looked down at a man holding his child and said, “Then give me yours!” The crowd went silent.

Amazing that faith is very much like that. We say, “I believe, I believe!” However, when it comes to the difficult times in our life we seem to go silent. We don’t want to put our faith to the test. We don’t want to wander too deep into those waters for fear of the unknown. When this happens faith becomes just a word. It does not mean much when it is not stretched and tested. It becomes empty and lifeless when it is not put into action. Faith means we trust in God to do God’s work. Faith means we rest in God’s ability not our own. Faith means we walk as children of the future, born again, not of the past chained in sin.

Where will you faith lead you today? Let me suggest three things.

1) Let it lead to HOPE! Faith can be an incredible spark that gives way to hope. Paul says, …we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5) Faith that God can do anything in your life gives rise to HOPE that is unshakeable. Even when you are suffering, faith that God will see you through produces HOPE for a better tomorrow! There is nothing that God cannot heal, make whole, love or bring peace to. There will always be a better tomorrow! I promise!

2) Let it lead to GOD! Faith allows us to know that we can approach a Holy and Righteous God in love and boldness. You are forgiven! God loves you so much that He has given Christ as a sacrifice for your sins. Enjoy your new life. It is a gift given to you without price! When you allow Christ to be your Lord you will begin to get to know a God of mercy, compassion and love. He wants you to know Him. Start to today.

3) Let it lead to GREATNESS! Your faith puts you in a special place to accomplish great things. Certainly you can do incredible things, but with God ALL things are possible. Your faith in our Lord puts you right smack dab in the middle of a life that will blow your mind. So dream big and let greatness happen.

I know your faith in Christ will lead you to become something pretty special. Don’t waste another minute. Keep putting it into practice. Keep stretching your heart and mind. Trust in your Lord and rely on His goodness and strength. When you do I know you will find hope. I know you will find God. Plus, you will discover a greatness that is only God-given!

Love you all,
Rev. Jim