Real Faith
There has been something on my heart from sometime and I would like to share. Let me start by saying I may write more about this in the future, so please don’t get tired of it. =)
There is a growing trend among churches that distorts what I’d consider a biblical view of faith. There is a craving for what I’d call “the instant”. ”Heal me now. Provide for me now. You said You would so do it now, now, now! By the time I finish this prayer, it will be done.” Real faith is not about using God’s word and my prayers in an attempt to “twist God’s arm” to get Him to submit to my will or reasoning. I do believe that God’s promises are for us. There are times when He will move quickly on our behalf, and that is completely biblical. However, I also believe that God’s word is true when it says that He works all things together for my good — “all things” not just the good, easy things. I believe it when it says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
The implication there is that we must not only face the trials but also that we must see them through. “Perseverance must finish it’s work…” We talked about it this weekend at church. There is spiritual treasure found in waiting on the Lord. What good is it to me if with every hardship I face, God decides to miraculously and instantly deliver me? I believe the opposite of what it says in this verse will be true — I will be weak, immature, and incomplete. That’s not the type of Christian I want to be. Maybe the trial I’m facing is for my good? Maybe there are things in me God needs to break? What if that sickness will result in a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness that will encourage others who face a similar circumstance and lead them to the Lord?
Again, there is a time for instantaneous miracles. However, I often hear it said that most of the miracles God performs don’t take place overnight. They take place through our obedience, our discipline, and a sincere desire to walk things out uprightly before the Lord. I’ve personally seen God move in miraculous ways in a matter of hours, sometimes minutes. However, I’ve not seen my faith built up more than when I’ve experienced God walking me through some of the hardest situations of my life step-by-step or when I’ve seen Him do it in the lives of those I love. The fact that we made it through has been an absolute miracle to me. I’ve been amazed at God’s tender love for us and drawn so much closer to Him.
So now, I’ve changed the way I pray. My prayer is no longer just, “Save me! Deliver me! Rescue me!” Though it’s not easy, I now try to pray:
“God, whatever your will is in this season of my life, accomplish it. Whether the miracle you perform will be instant or long-term, keep my eyes on You. Give me the strength, the trust, and the perseverance to make it through. I will not run to the quick fix, I will run to You. I put my hope in You and in the promises of Your word that according to Your perfect wisdom and understanding You will work this for my good. Lord, may I be mature and complete in You. In Jesus Name, Amen. “
Here’s an update on Alfred Ofori, a member of our Redeemer Worship band that was in a serious car accident on 495 early this morning. We just got home from visiting him at the hospital. He currently has a fracture in his right arm and in his neck. The arm may require surgery. The neck will be taken care of by a neck brace for a few weeks. He was basically hit on the 495 by a Metro Bus from behind when his car stalled. They had to cut him from the car and he said the back of his car basically went into the front. It could’ve been SO much worse, but PRAISE GOD for his faithfulness. He’s in a lot of pain and could use prayers. I’m not sure about visitors, we are waiting to here if he’s up for them yet. We’ll let you know!! They have admitted him for observation.
