Do you wonder if you have enough faith?

 

Do you have enough Faith?

 

You think… “If only I had enough faith… I would have handled the situation differently.” OR “Things would have turned out differently.”

I have a friend whose son innocently got in trouble with the law.  It was one of those things where he just didn’t think and he offered to help his friends out. The consequences were unimaginable.  And all I can think is what is happening to our justice system?

For months we have been praying in faith, believing that God would rescue him from what feels like an unjust prosecutor.

We believe Jesus’ words, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

That verse is one measure we use when we measure our faith.  The question we inflict upon ourselves is, “Do I have enough faith to move mountains?”

I don’t know about you, but my answer is usually, “I wish.” To which I add a great sigh.

 

Is your faith enough A devotional meditation at AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

This week I was reading a devotional when this quote came flying off the screen at me…

Faith loves to rely on God and see him work miracles in us. Therefore, faith pushes us into the current where the power of God’s future grace flows most freely — the current of love. –John Piper

 

We may ask God to soften the heart of a tough on crime prosecutor in faith and fervent prayer.  God could do that and more.

I have no doubt that God was (and continues to be) actively at work in this whole situation.  The prosecutor lessened the consequences but we can’t help but look at his offense and wonder how hardened criminals in the news are getting off “scot free” and here we are hurting for this young man and his family in total disbelief.

This is one of those things for which I have no answer.

But, I do have God.  And my faith in him.

I totally resonated with Piper’s words… Faith loves to rely on God and see him work miracles in us. No matter what happens I know God is bigger than our situation and I can trust him. I recognize my humanity in relationship to him and truly believe that my full reliance on him is the best way.  He is the one who is all powerful, all knowing, and all loving.  Not me…. despite what I may attempt.  At the end of the day, I know the best way is God’s way, so I call to my Abba Father and trust him to work in my life and others.

Piper goes on to suggest that it’s this very stance that connects me more completely to God and it is because of this connection that I see and get to experience more of God’s loving grace.

What does this have to do with this young man, the price he is paying, and our system of justice?

Everything.

There were countless people praying for this young man, his family, his attorney, and those who mete out justice.  Most every one taking their mustard seed of faith and believing that a God who loves the way he does would “do something” to rescue this young man.

You know what?  He did.

 

Is your faith enough - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Think about how independent kids are in high school (or for that matter at age two).  God knows this independent streak we all have.  So he drew this young man to himself and to his family and side-lined his friends.

He heard every prayer that was prayed and increased the faith of each pray-er.  And intensified the love and care of each pray-er for this young man and his family.

The inbox of this young man’s mom has been filled with words of encouragement, the family front porch has been the destination of loving gifts, and the courtroom comforted with the presence of caring supporters.

Following that day in court, concerned texts from this young man’s peers were sent to his mom.

God didn’t give us the answer or solution we all hoped and prayed for.

No… God did more.

Even though God created all the laws of nature… he works within them. He doesn’t change them.

In my thinking… he did the same for this young man within our current justice system.

I may not like it that he doesn’t send our mountains into the sea for us.

But, just like a parent knows what’s better for their child… God knows what’s better for us.

And sometimes… it isn’t about us.

Because our God is loving and all-knowing and wise he mysteriously works through circumstances on our behalf and will use our situations to draw people to himself and demonstrate his goodness and greatness.

Right now, we could throw our hands up and exclaim, “How in the world will it help a kid to have three strikes against him as he attempts to pursue his dream to finish high school and go to college and start a business?”  How?

I wonder…

And then I realize that so many people have prayed and have been pulled into this amazing current of God’s love.  There are people who never before would have been cheerleaders to this dream… people to whom this young man is now accountable… people who look forward to seeing how God doesn’t waste these kinds of “experiences” and what he will do with a broken spirit and a willing heart.  All because of the faith that has been expressed in love…

When we are in this current of God’s love we will see and do things beyond anything we can imagine.  This powerful current of love flows through every situation… good and bad.  It’s constant, dependable, and is the place we always want to be.

Here we will see grace upon grace… ever flowing.

 

Scripture Verse on Faith - The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. -  Galatians 5:6

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

 Galatians 5:6

 

To answer that question… “Do we have enough faith?”

I think the answer is not in how much faith we have.  Instead… it begs the question…  “What are we doing with the faith we have?”

Loving God and loving others… there isn’t anything more important in life.

It’s the bottom line.

Love is the evidence of our faith.

What are you doing with your faith?

Pinterest Click to Save - AnExtraordinaryDay.nentNeed more faith? You might be surprised to learn that you may already have all the faith you need. Want to be sure... click here.

 

Faith - JoyDay!

It’s Joy Day!

 

Joy Day! is the day when we look back over the past week and count ‘seven.’ ‘Seven’ blessings, gifts, the good and the not-so-good things of the past week…we list them and give thanks. I’d love to have you join in.  It may feel a bit outside of your comfort zone… but give it a try…

I’ll start….

God, I’m thankful for

  1. YOU… and your love that gives us grace upon grace.
  2. holding this young man in the palm of your hand during his incarceration.
  3. making a way for me to be able to create this beautiful balcony garden I enjoy daily.
  4. the humming birds who finally returned after the big storm.
  5. knowing that you love us more than we can imagine.
  6. not making this journey complicated… loving YOU and loving others is all you desire.
  7. summer and sunshine and fresh-picked raspberries, blueberries, and cherries.

Okay…it’s YOUR turn!!

Scroll down to the comment section…Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts….and list your ‘seven.’  I can guarantee it will change how you see the world around you.  It’s the best!!

 

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your sweet thoughts.

May your week overflow with unimaginable Joy! Signature - AnExtraordinaryDay.netReceive FREE inspiration like this in your inbox!
Sign up Now

If you found this post helpful….please pass it on to your friends.
Click any of the sharing buttons…

Comments

  1. Mary says

    OK—I’ve never done this here before
    1. A good doctor
    2. people who love me in spite of me
    3.having mental illness—thankful for this out of obedience, …”in everything give thanks…”
    4.singing again after surgery
    5.Your faithfulness
    6.the rain we’ve been getting
    7.air to breathe, water to drink

    • Mary, I rejoice with you for God’s loving kindness infused all through your days and for the bold step of sharing your ‘seven.’ May your week overflow with joy. You are blessed, my friend!

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

*

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.