On Wings Of Faith

About Faith
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. 2 Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in the past. We need faith to believe that first there exists a God, to talk of believing in Him. This belief in God is necessary for us to trust that God is able to and will fulfill every promises He has for us.

This is reflected in the life of Abraham who "believed God" and moreover "he did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to [and would] perform". This led to his membership in the Bible's Faith Hall of Fame. God hence requires us to act on this trusting belief. He expects that we show living faith in His existence, power and promises.

Faith is not a mere mental conviction as it evolves into a commitment—which involves not only trusting Gods personal involvement in our lives but, with His assistance, to do His will. It is consoling to know that God's will does not involve frivolous or unproductive behavior—but rather "godliness is profitable for all things" hence "the just shall live by faith" so "we walk by faith, not by sight".

Three ways we release our faith in God, through praying, saying(confessing) and doing. Hence, faith does not merely believe. Faith is beyond just thinking, chatting, or having convictions about Jesus. However faith is action. That is why the Bible says in James 2:14, “If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing” (NCV). Jesus reminded us that one of the greatest mistakes we can make is to play it safe with our lives. He said, “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you'll lose it.”

This is a vital ingredient in our walk here on earth. For us to be great like those we ascribe to in the Bible we will need this. But it can also be abused when we do not really understand or appreciate it. Hence how to live by faith is one question that baffles Christians. When does it mean to be still and surrender things completely to Him as God; and when it means taking proactive measures to solve a problem or reach a goal? Often Christians presume that faith usually means the former and not the latter

Waiting on God or Stepping Out in Faith
The scripture suggests two different kinds of faith at various times as Christians. On one hand, we are to be still and patiently wait for the Lord to move. In this scenario faith requires trusting God to provide an answer separate from any effort on our end. There several evidence of people either asked to be still or forced to be still and wait the Lord's move. This brings to mind Daniel in the lions' den; the three Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego in Nebuchadnezzar's fire ;Joseph in prison; and Jesus' disciples prior to his ascension when he implored them, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” (Acts 1:4).

The Bible equally asserts that faith is needed in taking personal responsibility. Scripture abounds with persons who, with no divine revelation or unique prompting, took bold steps to realise an individual goal: Naomi and Ruth travelling from Moab to Bethlehem, Nehemiah bravely organizing the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem.

In this kind of faith we are proactive and assertive. We take measures to discover the solution to a need. And by stepping out we compel ourselves to a dependence on the Lord that is not possible should we simply remain still.

Discerning between the Two
How do we know when to exercise one type of faith or the other. We can take a cue from the nature of the challenge we face : when confronted with a challenge that appears insurmountable –such that we are virtually powerless to influence—then simply be still and Know that He is God. On the other hand, when we can identify a practical step we can take to make things better or advance, then we can presume that God wants us to step out in faith.

Stepping out in faith does not suggest we will not need to wait on the Lord anymore, cause as we advance; unforeseen hindrances confront us forcing us to wait on the Lord. But we should not seize to persevere in stepping out of faith.

This is reflected in lives of believers who did the will of God. Paul, for example was convinced that he should take steps to open doors for the kingdom apart from those times when God clearly closed them (Acts 16:6-7, 16:39-40).

Stepping Out in Faith
Looking at Exodus 14:15 why does God tell Moses to stop praying? The lord told Moses to stop praying and get moving. Prayer must have a vital place in our lives, but there is also a place for action. Sometimes, we know what to do, but we pray for more guidance as an excuse to postpone doing it. If we know what we should do then it is time to start moving. In school we learn from geometry that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line or a short cut if we like.

In our lives there are times when the points do not connect, never looks like a straight but a never ending bend; where we wonder if God understands geometry at all.

That is what the Israelites experienced. On a map from Goshen in Egypt to the promised land in the philistines (gaza strip) (13.17) it is more of a straight line. Often in our lives we realise that God does not take us in straight line but in winding bends which leave us clueless. You are here and you want to go there but you are in a dead end. We end up in a spot where we are stuck and all we can do is look up and say God all I have is you. God guided the Israelites by pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night in the wilderness. But we have the Bible and the Holy spirit to guide us today in our difficult times which we have to consult daily in our walk with God. So whislt we cry to God to help us accomplish something or overcome a challenge: He also gives an idea what we should do on our part. Example don't go this place, don't watch this, apply for this etc. It is impossible to please God without faith, hence we need to take our step of faith whilst God is doing His part.

Similarly in2 kings 7:3-8 Jesus prompted another to action saying , 'Go; your faith has made you well.' Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.” (Mark 10:52 NASB). When we fail to take the next step, we will be stuck and may only be talking of the good old days or simply building castles in the air.

God will not help you with step three, four, and five unless you take step one. Instead of simply analysing the situation over and over without taking action; maybe it is time to stop the analysis and take action or simply pull the trigger.

Before Bartimaeus made contact with Jesus, he was simply sitting by the road. However recovering his sight from the Lord, he “began following Jesus on the road” (Mark 10:52b NASB). Like Bartimaeus, we should know follow Jesus on the road rather than just sit beside the road because it brings more joy, meaning, and satisfaction in life.

Following Our Convictions
In being proactive when chasing after our aspirations, we will have to anticipate expressing our beliefs plainly--even with people who may differ or share a contrary opinion with us--and that God will use our assertiveness to convince others and create vital avenues for their fulfilment. We should be receptive to the advice of others but filter it wisely as it can enlighten our convictions. Nonetheless God can use us to advice others and will also use us to counsel others and to change their misconceptions.

A fine example of assertion is seen in the three Jewish youths convincing their mentor to feed them on undefiled food; when Mordecai convinces Esther to take urgent action with these consoling words: "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esth. 4:13-14, KJV.); Nehemiah gaining the kings favour to go rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

David's inspiring initiative to fight Goliath offers another worthy example. Saul first discouraged David from going ahead with his desire to fight Goliath with the words: “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth” (1 Sam 17:33). However David was assertive as he replied: “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Sam 17:34-37).

Saul was finally won over by David's passion “Go, and the LORD be with you,” he replied (1 Sam 17:37). In this scenario, God blessed one man's initiative to persuade someone significantly more well-informed and powerful than himself that he possess the qualities to address the challenge, ultimately saving the nation.

These examples point to another essential lesson; God does not only guide us to new realms of our lives, but he also works with us as partners or change agents to accomplish such possibilities. We can marshal the strength to take such steps when we trust that God will bless and order our steps as others will profit from our enterprise. These examples are a source of immense support and encouragement.

Steps to Launching Out
In taking individual initiatives, we contemplate a step of faith when convinced it's not beyond the time and energy limits the Lord has provided us, and without endangering the other engagements we may have already made. It is imperative that our motivation of which steps of faith to take should be as a result of a regular time spent alone with Christ, where we ponder the path of our life and Gods will. Often Biblical figures were considered presumptuous not because they undertook individual initiatives but because they did so without seeking God's will (Josh 9:14). This brings to mind Saul going after the Philistines instead of waiting or Samuel; David consulting with God before recovering his captives from the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 30.

As we seek the face of the Lord day by day, we should be encouraged to boldly step out to discover the best opportunities for developing our gifts and relationships. This is because God gives us much greater liberty to transform the circumstances of our lives than we tend to think.

So which area of your life can you find God stretching your faith? Where are you launching out into the unknown? Have you been patiently waiting or looking for a mate or a relationship? Considering a new job or career? Contemplating relocating to a new area? Trusting God to meet a need?

Nonetheless, have you been proactive in taking steps of faith to meet such a need or solve the problem? Are you making yourself noticed, stepping out and engaging socially? Are you altering or adjusting your routine so as to meet up and network with new people? Have you made others aware of your condition, exploring new opportunities, or trying something entirely new? Have you launched out of your comfort zone, out of your immediate community, to embrace the unfamiliar? Are you being open-minded to consider options hitherto unconsidered?

Jesus said: "Everything is possible for him who believes" ( Mark 9:23); so what are you waiting for? If you really believe in God and His Word, trust He will give you with the wisdom, understanding and provisions He promises. Know that He loves and cares for you far more than the birds in the sky. You may have faith, but it is dead without taking action.

References:
United Church of God (2014):What is Faith?
http://www.ucg.org/booklet/you-can-have-living-faith/what-faith/ accessed on 13.122014

Rick Warren ( 2014): Faith Is More Than Believing: Take The Next Step

http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/faith-is-more-than-believing-take-the-next-step accessed on 13.122014

Nehemiah Notes (2014):Should I Wait in Faith--Or Step Out in Faith?The Question of

Personal Initiative
http://www.nehemiahministries.com/faith3.htm accessed on 13.122014

Cliff Young (2010): What Step of Faith do you need to take?http://www.crosswalk.com/family/singles/what-step-of-faith-do-you-need-to-take-11635872.html accessed on 13.122014

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