Trying to Trip Us Up in Taking Steps of Faith
May 4, 2010 - 9:21 AM
As we continue to discuss "Taking Steps of Faith" it is important to realize a few things. A corollary to "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6) might be "With faith it is impossible to please the enemy." Whenever we take steps of faith, we are bound to meet some resistance. The Bible (especially in the teachings of Jesus himself) makes it clear that there is a hidden realm that is opposed to the ways of God. Jesus faced it in his ministry. Paul faced it in his ministry. And the Church (including our fellowship) faces it in her ministries.
Becky reminded me this week that while in Michigan, after committing to move to the Iowa City area to plant Genesis, before every trip that we planned to take here to get ready for the move, one of our children would get sick. And many times since, when we've talked about taking steps of faith as a church it seems like something comes up that tempts us to take our eyes off of what we believe God is calling us to do, or tempts us to be discouraged, or some misunderstanding(s) arise in the body that have the potential of creating division or dissension. God knows the source of these things, we don't, but it has been noticeable that we seem to meet resistance whenever taking steps of faith. Could it be that we are experiencing a struggle that "...is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)? Maybe so. One thing we do know is that God loves it when we grow in our trust in him, and the enemy hates it.
So, as you and I (and we!) take steps of faith in growing deeper in our trust in Christ and our commitment to glorifying him in all areas of our lives, may we not be as those who "shrink back" (Hebrews 10:39), but as those who move forward, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith!" (Hebrews 12:2)
Let's continue this journey...together!
God's grace and peace be with us all,
Dave