Perspective shift – The Work of Faith

“Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand His decisions or explain what He does? “Has anyone known the thoughts of the Lord or given Him advice?” Romans 11:33-34 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

We are made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6). Do we REALLY understand even a little of what this means? Well, let's look a little closer at Him to get to know Him more. He is Wise. He is the source of all wisdom. He is Strategic, He plans, He is unlimited in resources, ideas, creativity, power, time, and energy. His ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts; His ways and thoughts are far above our finite human capacities (Isaiah 55:8-12). This is displayed in the Whole Bible beginning with creation (Genesis 1). He provided Noah the plan and details for the Ark (Genesis 5). He gave Moses the strategy by which His people were set free (Exodus Chapters 3 & 4). God gave Joshua a strategy to conquer the city of Jericho (Joshua 6). One of the most favored and known quotes on this very topic is found in the book of Jeremiah.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

God is creative (Genesis 1). The entire creation displays His very nature. He does not shy away from difficulties or hard work (Genesis 2:2). God is resourceful, using what appears to be nothing or not enough. In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus finished teaching the crowd and the disciples note the late hour and need for the people to eat. They suggest that Jesus send the people home. Jesus' response was for the disciples to feed the multitude. With only five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus blessed the food, had compassion on the crowd, and everyone was fed. Not just to 5,000. Read the last two verses, the very last part of the text. “They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!” Matthew 14:20-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

Bible scholars studying the time- period estimate that with the women and children, there were about 20,000 people fed that day from 5 loaves and 2 fish!

Now that we have a glimpse into Who He is, it is more Awesome to try to grasp that we are made in His image. He did not leave us helpless. There IS a healthy balance to be found. God gives us skills and talents we are to utilize. However, without faith in God's ultimate plans and direction, what we have and know amounts to nothing. This is called self-righteousness, or pride (Isaiah 64:6). Yet, little is much in the hands of God. If we use those talents and skills to accomplish those things for which we have been entrusted (caring for family, giving to others, being kind, consistent, people of integrity) with the focus on leading a God centered life, this is a godly righteousness only found in Christ Jesus.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

This is where we find balance in our humble view of Who God is and who we are both apart from Him as well as in and through Him. This is also where we can see the importance of taking responsibility for walking out our faith. Also, the parable of the talents explains we are responsible for wise and godly use of whatever we have (Matthew 25:14-30). We are called to act in faith.

Faith Without Works Is Dead

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, And one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:14-17 & 26 (NKJV)

“Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23 (NKJV)

We are to actively seek to find, use, and share. Some things are blaringly not of God. For other things, situations, opportunities, issues, and challenges, we are instructed to Test all things.

“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NKJV)

We can plan, check opportunities, use resources, and be creative if our focus is to honor God, holding fast to the understanding that all is ultimately in His control. However, we must take an active role in cultivating our faith. The ACT of faith may require us to physically be involved or to standing firm, trusting, and waiting on Him. Note the action words in Matthew 7:8; “ask”,” seek”, “knock”. I CAN guarantee that if you don't ask, seek, and knock, you will Not find what you're looking for.

The key is taking the time to be still, listen, and then obey.

“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

“For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8 (NLT)

Be encouraged today. Focus first on God, then use what He's already given you to serve others as His hands and feet, and do not stop asking, seeking, and knocking. Trust that He is faithful, He has your best interest at the center of His plans for you. We must trust in Abba’s Sovereignty. Trust God to work it out. He is our peace in all circumstances.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

Be blessed and be a blessing. Agape love is contagious