God Says... "I have given everyone a measure of faith."
Monday, July 11, 2011 at 7:00AM MAD21 By Jason S (Connecting to Impact)
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
According to this scripture, I'm two for two. I believe He is and that He rewards those who seek Him. That means I'm pleasing to God. That means I have faith. If you're a believer, you're probably with me.
Honestly though, it seems like many times this can't possibly be enough or more accurately, that the little faith we have can't possibly meet the huge challenges we face.
I can find myself saying, "I don't have enough faith." But the Father sees something different, something we don't see. He gave us each a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and as we exercise it, that faith grows.
Years ago, I faced a decision for me and my family to leave the job I had been working and work full-time for our church as an associate pastor. Ours was not a large church and the questions surrounding this seemed so much louder than the direction God was speaking.
I knew where the Father was leading, but I struggled with the idea of my own faith. Could I really do this? Would my family suffer? Would my marriage suffer with this strain? How would all this work?
I just didn't feel up to the level of all those "faith giants" who heard and immediately obeyed. My doubts laid squarely with me instead of God, but I'll never forget what happened.
As all this was percolating and my wife and I were praying about it, I went with my father-in-law to minister at a family camp in Canada. It was a beautiful place and a wonderful time, but every chance I got, I would take the trail down to the river to pray.
Feeling the pressure of all the questions, I opened my heart to God. I felt like He had chosen the wrong one. Surely there was someone better suited to walk this out–someone with more experience, talent, ability, and faith.
Staring into that rolling river, I heard God speaking to my heart, "Do you know what I see when I look at you?"
He didn't wait for me to respond, but continued, "A man of faith. A man of perseverance. A man of…"
I was flooded with His presence and emotion. I kept hearing these things for several minutes, but the one that touched me the most was that He started off with "man of faith," the very thing I had struggled with most. As only a Father can encourage, I now felt ready for anything I faced.
Not only does He see situations and circumstances differently than I do. He also sees me differently. When we can see ourselves from His view, we can't help but be changed and step out in faith.
Have you ever said or felt you lacked faith? What do you do in those situations?
Jason is a guy who loves Jesus, his wife, and his kids. He's also the pastor of Breakthrough Church in Juneau, AK. You can check out his blog at EndlessImpact.com where the goal is to connect with others in a conversation about life, service, and faith while connecting to God who is true Impact.
Faith, God Says, Perseverance in God Says...
Reader Comments (10)
So blessed and excited to be part of this series, Ginny. Thanks again!
Jason, another awesome post...
Have you ever said or felt you lacked faith? Every day...
What do you do in those situations? continue to walk in faith in God's promises
I've been standing since He saved me and as a stander, it has requires a ton of faith every day to know that the promise He gave will come to pass if only I have faith...following Him everyday gives me faith..making sure I stay on the path gives me faith... it's narrow but He gives me strength..I know He will help me make it through...
Yes, I often feel like I need more faith. I seek the company of the faithful and hope their faith will rub off on me. (I'm sure there is a better answer, but I'm giving you my truthful answer. :-) )
Great thoughts my friend! When I first heard about the church that I currently pastor, I knew that I would like certain aspects of it (worship, age groups, etc) but was unsure of taking a church that was fairly new (less than a year) and lead it. I had serious doubts in fact but felt I needed to trust God to lead me through if if He led me here. He did and He has.
Ingrid- that's the difference between living by our emotions and feelings and what He says! Love your thoughts.
Helen- I believe that's true, it actually does rub off on us through encouragement and fellowship. It builds our faith to be with those who are standing too.
Thank you both!
Bill- and that's how our faith is built! Awesome. Thanks for sharing your story.
God does some jaw dropping amazing things, doesn't he? Especially when we move out of the way.
Nikole, you speak the truth! Thank you.
When you KNOW that you KNOW, all it takes is a grain of faith the size of a mustard seed. There have been times when I asked, "What next?" not really knowing what to do. I have at other times rushed in where fools fear to trod, and arrived embarrased. Learning to wait for God's timing and the Faith that He gives for the moment has been the best plan for me.
Hazel, that is an excellent plan. And I try never take for granted the blessing of knowing I am where God's called me. Not everyone has that and it makes all the difference to me. Thanks!