SIMPLE ENOUGH TO STUMBLE OVER
The concept of faith sometimes seems fairytale-ish. It is so simple that many stumble over it. Unfortunately, many people consider faith as some kind of work they are to accomplish versus a right believing that inspires right living! To tap into the life of faith, we must have a childlike, believing heart. Jesus said it like this, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
Many are trying to figure out God instead of simply believing him. Jesus, speaking to the most religious and self-righteous people of his day, said, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” Matthew 21:31 The prostitutes and tax collectors knew that they were sinners and were willing to believe and do what Jesus told them.
Faith is so essential that the writer of Hebrews said, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God. For those who come to him must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 Faith is the only thing that taps us into the beautiful life God has for us! Therefore, without it, he cannot transfer into us his blessing and goodness!
Faith is so simple but so profound and all-consuming! The children of Israel were called God's very own but often refused to trust him fully. Carefully ponder what God said through the apostle Paul here in Romans 9.
What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God's standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of trusting in him. They stumbled over the Great Rock in their path. Romans 9:30-32 (NLT)
Because of the misconception of what faith is in the body of Christ, many times, faith is reduced down to a religious work or effort of the flesh. Often, it’s just having faith in their own faith! Sometimes I believe it might be better, when describing faith, to use the words “recognition and surrender.” Simply recognizing the reality of God all around and within is the beginning of the life of faith, and it will change everything! Seriously… Just acknowledging and surrendering to the love of God granted to you through the blood of Jesus taps you into the life of heaven!
Because the idea of faith is so simple, many stumble over it and continue down the self-destructive road of self-righteousness and personal effort. Being right with God and tapping into his power to create a life that looks like him is not accessed by any self-effort or works! Faith alone escorts you into the abundant and powerful life of God!
I believe that today is your day to take inventory of your faith-life. Are you trusting in your ability to be right with God or in God’s ability to make you right with him? Remember, this is something in which you will continually grow and increase. There is not a place of arrival but rather an ever-increasing life that brings you deeper and deeper into the love of God! Trusting self equals fear, worry, anxiety, etc. Trusting God equals life and peace! Consider this whole concept of faith carefully because it is...
SIMPLE ENOUGH TO STUMBLE OVER
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