DAY 21 — Full of Faith

Do you ever doubt God’s intentions?

I know I do. And I’m a pastor. I get to encourage people in their faith all of the time in all kinds of ways. Sometimes I preach. Sometimes I teach. Sometimes I blog or have a conversation or share an inspirational thought on Instagram. And sometimes, my faith is weak…and I doubt. But Jesus wants to walk with us through our doubt and lead us into a growing faith in Him.

If we are “in” Jesus then He is able to work certain things “out” through our lives.
Good things. Not bad things.

NUMBER 7: FAITHFULNESS

Galatians 5:22-23

Let me give it to you straight!
If your life is not defined by faith and faithfulness, your life will be defined by fear and frustration.

This faithfulness thing breaks down 2 ways:

1. Faithfulness is being filled with, or full of faith. This is when you are believing God for things you can’t see and trusting that whatever is happening today…is a part of His excellent, loving plan for you to experience a better tomorrow. This is tough enough. I mean, this whole Christianity thing is believing without seeing; and that’s what faith is. So the entire christian life really is all about being full of faith.
2. Faithfulness is being consistent in the face of a challenge. OK. So you believe Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, didn’t deserve death but died anyway so He could pay for our sin, and that He raised up from the dead and lives today beside His Father (our Father) where He defends you and me from an enemy who is always pointing at us when we mess up. Thats nice. But what happens when believing that isn’t easy anymore? What happens when the crap of life hits the fan and you have nobody to blame but yourself or God? How is your faith then? Is it consistent? Is it strong?

Being faithful starts with #1…but at some point has to become defined by #2.

H/W CHALLENGE

Where are you in your faithfulness?

Are you believing God for the impossible?

Are you trusting Him with EVERYTHING?

Or are you holding something back?

PRAYER

Jesus, you held nothing back when you died for me. You hold nothing back now as you fight for me, pursue me, lead me into deeper relationship with you, and love me faithfully. Help me to believe in You more and more. Help me to be consistent in it even when I am discouraged. Even when its tough. Thank you Jesus, Amen.

If you are holding something back, hand it over to Jesus by faith. Taking Him at His promised word, by your own faith, is the only real way to honor Him with your life!