James 2:14 NLT
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
Am I visibly nervous, or do I have faith that God is at work doing what He needs to get done?
Are my actions matching what I say with my words?
These are essential questions for a Christian.
A spiritually mature Christian faces trials and challenges with a confident hope that God will do His work.
This doesn’t mean that we may not have fear or doubts, but when these feelings arise, we need to bring these feelings before God’s truth.
Romans 8:28 NLT
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
When we bring these feelings before our God with faith and trust that He is working, those doubts and fears will melt away. And these feelings will be replaced with a sense of peace and joy.
And in turn, we should be extending this to those around us. Patiently listening to the concerns of others and helping them bring their feelings to God’s truth.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
When we do this, some will respond, some will remain fearful, some may consider it, and some will respond, but in the end, God will determine what comes out of it.
Our job is the be the picture of hope (live faithfully to our beliefs in God), encourage others by bringing them to the truth in God’s Words (plant the seed), and then wait patiently (God takes over and starts doing what He does).
If we bring others to God’s Word without it being manifest in our lives, people will resist our message, but if we are proof of our beliefs, meaning that we are filled with hope and joy, others will see this in our lives and be drawn to what God can do.
There is no room for ”fake it til you make it here.”
Matthew 6:16-18 NLT
”And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Our work privately with God will show to those around us. If our lives are not a reflection of the work that God is doing inside, it will not affect the lives of those around us, and more importantly, it will not glorify God.
Heavenly Father, I pray that You continue working in my life. I pray that You continue to give me the strength and courage to submit my will and heart to You.
Let my life be a mirror of the work that You are doing in my life, and let my focus be on others’ needs before my own.
”Oh Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.”
I pray, Lord, that You provide me the Spirit to forgive and to help with unfailing love.
In the Holy Name, the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
