If you're reading this, it's either because we've shared with you the next steps God has asked us to take, or you mistyped another address. If you're the latter, feel free to read, or just retype your address the right way. If you're the former, thanks for joining us on this journey. Whether you're a part of our new ministry actively, supportively, or inquisitively, welcome! I'd say enjoy the ride, but, well...let me get to that.
I was getting ready for a Bible study today when I read Hebrews 11 to get ready. It's a passage I was familiar with (having gone through seminary, I'm "familiar" with a lot of passages, but that really doesn't mean much), but something new struck me today. As I read about these people that the author lists and their acts of faith, I realized something: They had to actually DO something in faith. Abel, in faith, OFFERS a sacrifice. Noah, in faith, BUILDS an ark. Abraham, in faith, WENT from his homeland to a new, strange promised land. I hope you're getting the same picture I am.
Faith is not a set of beliefs. It's not merely a mental assent to some tenet or dogma. Faith is the fuel that sets our feet in the direction toward God's way. Faith is the impetus, the drive, to do things far beyond ordinary, what would be normal for you. And faith is something else: It's the element that completes that which is beyond our ability. The author of Hebrews lists these amazing feats that happened through faith, things that couldn't happen just by normal human work. Faith was the very thing that made the impossible possible, the "no way Hosey" (as my 4-year-old Micah says) into the "That just happened!" (Thank you, Will Ferrell).
So, if you're joining us in one way or the other, please don't enjoy it. Enjoying something is what we do with a movie or a TV show. Jump in with us. Take a step in faith with us. DeAnn and I, the boys, and many folks in Merrillville have taken a step of faith to do something great for God. It's not something we're doing because it's easy, it's something fueled by faith, and can only be accomplished through the faithfulness of God. And I can't think of anything better to do.
So, I'm wondering, what about you? Share in the comments about a time when you did something crazy, fueled by faith. Or is there something that you think God is inviting you to be a part of through faith? If so and you're hesitating, are you willing to share? Don't be embarrassed. It's OK (we've all been there). But DON'T WAIT! Take the first steps. There's no better step to take than one of faith.
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I think it's really funny that your "Industry" is "Religion." Just thought I would share that up front.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your faith journey with us. As you know, we are doing something crazy as well. And "at our age." ;-) Although I have never been the risk-taking type, this crazy is absolutely the right thing to do. The Holy Spirit is leading us and is providing for us. We KNOW that He will continue to do so.
Our prayer is "Your Kingdom come; Your will be done."
Right on, Chris. We're so excited for you guys.
ReplyDeleteA journey of faith is lived out each and every day. It is lived out in the the work place. It is lived out in all interactions with other people. It trys to be positive throughout each and every step. Many times one falls out of the positive zone into a negative mode. Paul said he had that problem of not doing what he should do and doing what he should not do. The best is to keep trying throughout time. The words could be "More Doing".
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to partnering with you and helping in any way we can to make this new venture thrive! We are praying at Church of the Four Seasons.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree that we can say we have faith, but it isn't just a set of beliefs but acting on those beliefs even in uncertainty. You know our story, God is providing all the time. Even if it isn't the way I want it to happen.
ReplyDeleteWe will be in Indiana all of July and part of August. I'm sure we will connect with you when we come up that way.
I am one of the folks in Merrillville. Although what we are doing may seem crazy, I fervently believe that we are taking the right path even if this is to a strange new land...so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI have always believed that faith was not a NOUN describing something as many want to believe, but rather a VERB which requires an action.
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