One Sunday, my pastor called me out. It was one of those sermons that God gave him just for me. Maybe a few others but mostly me.
Essentially, I’m a Christian because I have faith in God and I believe that Jesus hung, bled and died for our sins. I have the faith that He will provide everything that I need and want. I have faith that He will never change and His justice will prevail. I have faith that He can open doors I didn’t even know existed and be my protector in the lowest of valleys. I have faith that He forgives me for my transgressions and sins, especially the ones I have trouble forgiving myself for. I have faith that His word is everlasting and never failing. I have faith that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Or do I?
Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell convicted my spirit with these words: “Your lack of faith and behavior confuses people. You claim to be a believer but your faith and behavior doesn’t line up with the Word.”
Oh, okay.
I claim to have faith but do I operate in faith or fear? What truly drives my behavior, thoughts and deeds? Are they truly driven by faith? Do I move boldly and courageously throughout my day with an attitude of faith knowing no matter what happens, it will all work out for my good? The scripture specifically states that all things work out for the benefit of those who love the Lord. (Romans 8:28) I love the Lord but do I really act like it? In the words of Pastor John Gray: “Do I have water walking faith?”
I’m a scaredy cat. I worry way too much about what people think so I’m guilty of operating in a spirit of fear sometimes. I worry that I’m not reaching my full potential because of that fear. It’s paralyzing. Oh the heights I would meet if I consistently operated in a spirit of faith.
God is in me; I cannot fail. I will not fail. I have to remind myself constantly of this. People are critical and judgmental but I have to remind myself that the only opinion that matters is God’s. No one else’s opinion matters. If I’ve already prayed about it and got clearance, who cares what anyone else thinks? They don’t control my destiny but listening to their opinions and unsolicited thoughts gives them authority over something they have nothing to do with so I had to learn to let haters hate.
This post is an act of faith. This is an attempt to be very open and deliberate about who I am and my personal struggles as a believer and a young adult. It wouldn’t be fair for me not to be open and vulnerable about this topic or any topic for that matter. But this one was really important to me because I truly believe we don’t realize how much we operate in fear and not faith. Think of how much we would accomplish if we simply walked in faith. From now on, I won’t just be writing about it, I’ll be doing it. I truly thank God for this word and I hope it touches you as much as it touched me to write it. Stop and ask yourself when you make a decision: am I being motivated by faith or fear?
Need some motivating? Shoot me an email. I would love to hear from you. We can lift each other. I love giving virtual pats on the back. 🙂
P.S. In 2018, we all win so just go for it!
If you’re not working, your faith is dead. – Pastor Caldwell
As always, take what you need and leave the rest.
My identity in the Lord, Jesus Christ dictates my footsteps. Salvation demands that I change and as I grow spiritually, that’s exactly what will happen. Great post
Author
Amen. Thank you 🙂