“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:17-18
I was reminded this past weekend of just how scary it can be when we challenge ourselves to step out in faith. It is so much easier to sit around and talk about all the wonderful things that could be done, but James reminds us that shouting we have faith is not enough.
The world needs to see us take a risk and jump out of the boat, just as Peter did (Matthew 14), and show our faith by what we do. In other words, we need to interrupt our regular routines and step out into the unknown to experience God anew.
Once we jump out in faith and out of our comfort zones, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Learning from Peter, we certainly don’t want to look down and begin to sink.
To experience God in a whole new way today, determine to take that risk you’ve been putting off. Decide to walk away from the routine and show your unbelievable faith in God. It’s time to jump out of the boat to accomplish those new goals!
You will prove you trust the Lord by the leaps of faith you take.
1-2-3 . . . jump!
In response to this post, I received this incredible message from a dear friend:
I totally know where you are coming from but I’m finding that before I can jump I must be sure I’m standing on and jumping from the solid rock!! God has truly blessed me and is allowing me to be home and just soaking up his word!! What I’ve found is that I’m not anchored at all. So before I can jump I’m making sure I’m standing on solid ground.
A good word of encouragement! It made me think…
When trying to fit some of life's puzzle pieces together and make sense of it all, it seems trials grow and mature our faith, and our faith is demonstrated through deeds done. Hmmm.
That's a lot to meditate on today. :)
It is an encouraging post, I am not sure how I will jump out? I will think about it!
kim
You are always encouraging us Alene. Thank you. There is a hurdle of faith I need to jump. I feel the nucge. B
Just on time! We heard a sermon on that this very week. Our faith has been tested and is still being tested. It takes courage to jump out of the boat (especially when you can't swim.) Literally, I can't swim but I can float and dog paddle. It might take a little effort to get to the shore ~ Back to our faith! It takes courage to jump out on God's promises but when we do we find He is always there. We don't have to float or dog paddle. We just rest on His promises.
Thanks for the post. It is thought provoking.
What a great and timely message. This entry is yet one more affirmation that my decision to retire is in God's plan for me. This reminds me of a devotional I read from Jack Graham from Prestonwood Baptist Church. In a nutshell he said faith requires trust and risk taking.
Right on Alene.