Stirring the Faith

Are you a force to be reckoned with in the Christian faith?  Do you stand firm in your faith while facing the opposition?  Are you stirring up others’ faith?  

One important aspect of our christian walk is having a solid foundation.  A strong, steady faith in God.  This foundation must be able to sustain all elements of storms, changes, and shifts in our life.  It isn’t something that is constructed in haste.  Your faith has to be developed with a sincere relationship with God through prayer and studying God’s word.  Faith is strengthened by listening to God’s words and doing His will.  

Unfortunately, there are days when our faith is tested and we feel inadequate.  We are pressed down by satan’s lies, and persecuted for standing with God.  However, no matter the lies and persecution, we hold to God’s promise that we will not be destroyed or abandoned.  If God is for us, who can be against us?  We are His children and are called according to His purpose.  So, we hold to His truths and persevere through any test of our faith.  

Lastly, are we making a difference?  I ask myself this question weekly, sometimes daily.  As a teacher, I strive to make a difference in the lives of my students.  I know that my purpose isn’t just to educate, but to be a witness for the Christian faith.  More than anything, I want to be a bearer of Christ’s love.  In a world where evil and hate are prevalent, I choose to be that light of hope.  James explains in James 2 that faith without works is dead.  What is the point of claiming faith in Christ if we are not making a difference?  If we are not stirring up others’ faith, why do we claim to have faith in God ourselves?  I know that salvation does not come through deeds, but if we are truly saved, we will want to have deeds.  Those deeds are there to stir up those around us to want a relationship with God.  I remember a preacher asking his congregation, “Is your faith in the Lord Jesus making any real difference in your life and in the life of others?  If not, why?”  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to waste any time walking through life without leading others to Christ.  I want to make Heaven crowded.  I want to be courageous like Miriam, or Esther.  I want to be strong like Deborah, or Sampson.  I want to spread the word of God like Paul or the many other pillars of our faith.  I want to be a force to be reckoned with.  A difference.  Different. Set apart.   Faithfully and fruitfully devoted to God.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Dear God,

Thank you for Your love and mercy every day.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve You.  Give us divine appointments throughout our days to share Your love to those around us.  Remind us to hold close to You and Your world as we set out to stir up others in the faith.  Love, Me.