We have read as God has called on his followers in astounding ways to do uncomfortable but miraculous things. Whether that be the Lord speaking to Moses through a burning bush, calling on Noah to build an ark, or sending Jonah to preach in Nineveh.
It seems simple. But when He calls on you, it doesn’t feel so easy…
Passive vs Active Faith
Answering the Lord’s call can be nerve-racking and often requires a leap of faith. Those who know me are aware of my desire to take the reins in almost all aspects of life, so I understand the struggle of handing the controls over to someone else. Yet, scripture reminds us of how essential trust is in our relationship with Christ.
Many years ago, I watched a Francis Chan sermon with my mother about this very subject of passive versus active faith.
When explaining the relationship between security and faith, Chan preached from the top of a balance beam in the center of the stage. This beam is symbolic of security.
I think it goes without saying that taking risks is difficult. When life gets a little bit shaky, we fear falling off of that beam. Instead of walking across in confidence, trusting that the Lord will stabilize us, many tend to bend down and grab onto it for support. Walking in faith requires us to stand up and take the next step, but it is easy to let fear weigh us down.
Imagine you are watching the Olympics, and one of the gymnasts bends down to straddle the beam. They don’t awe the judge with a daring move or even muster up the courage to walk across the beam. Instead, they just sit there and hug it. Chan asks how the judge is supposed to score that. They did nothing. In life, that’s like saying congratulations, you managed to live as safe as possible, but at what cost? You haven’t walked in faith let alone live boldly in Christ. When you stand before the King, what do you have to show?
Believing is one thing, but living in faith is another.
Listen for God
Say we make the decision to follow Christ. How do we know where he’s guiding us or what we are being led to do? Scripture tells us to surrender our heart to the Lord. If we can do that, and take the time to not just talk to Him or ask for something, but to listen, He will direct us.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
God is calling on YOU
While the Bible calls on all of us to live like Christ, it is also important to understand that being active in faith looks different for each of us.
“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a specific function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do.” Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)
We each have unique gifts and serve the Lord in various ways. Rather than an eye trying to be a nose, it should embrace its own role. Similarly, if we try to mimic what the other is doing, instead of exploiting our own talents, Christ’s body will not function properly. God has designed us every one of us with an individual purpose. It is our job to seek it out, be active, and embrace the path He has set.
“God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the gift of prophecy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you the leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have the gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)
Choose to answer the call
Once you’ve identified where the Lord is calling you, be active. Don’t let your spiritual gift sit on a shelf to collect dust. Rather, fulfill the purpose for which God has created you.
For as long as I can remember, I have admired the book of Esther. Her story inspires me because she was an ordinary woman who the Lord placed in a position of power. She was thrown into a metaphorical lion’s den, surrounded by people who sought to eliminate her and those who shared her faith. But the Lord protects His people, and He created Esther, who would risk her own life by standing up to save them. Just prior to coming before the King unannounced, her cousin, Mordecai, said to her:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (NIV)
Whether or not we choose to accept God’s intentions for us, His plan will prevail. However, this serves as a reminder that every aspect of our lives, when we were born, who we are surrounded by, the experiences we’ve faced, were all intentional in shaping us into who we are and placing us where we need to be in order to fulfill God’s purpose.
So, I challenge you to start pursuing yours. Whatever that means for you, wherever you are being led, take the first step in living a life of active faith.
Faith in action
Now, I know I threw a lot your way at once. I promise to try and keep my future posts concise, but I am excited to answer my call of active faith and to share this journey with all of you. I’ll part with the verse which has inspired my blog and driven my pursuit of a life for Christ:
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
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