Week of: July 13, 2009

Key Point: Keep in Step with God

Scripture: Romans 1:17

The only way to keep in step with God is to walk by faith. God has a plan for your life, but it is a plan that requires you to walk by faith. In Hebrews 11:1 faith is described as being certain of what we cannot see. We cannot see God, but He is here and He keeps all of the promises found within His Word. Are you certain of this? Many Christians would answer yes, but remember that the real answer is found not in your words, but in your actions.

Faith is demonstrated by peace, obedience, and courage. If you believe that God is who He says He is and does what He says He does, then you believe God is in control of all things and you don’t have to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6-7). Life’s little annoyances, trials that come your way, “to do” lists that seem undoable, or problems that seem unsolvable, should not shake your peace. Knowing that God is in control and works all things together for good to those who believe and are called by Him should be sufficient for you.

Obedience is easy when it comes from a heart of love for and faith in God. Obedience is not about giving up your pleasures and succumbing to what God wants for you out of duty; it is trusting that God knows what is best for you and only has your best interests in mind. It is doing things God’s way because you believe His Word to be true when He tells us that blessings follow obedience. It is getting to the point where you can say (Pardon an old cliché), “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.”

Courage is about doing what God calls you to do, even when all that is logical seems to be saying no. Men, in their so called wisdom, often view the ways of God as foolishness; but the reality is that true wisdom is found in God (1 Corinthians 1:25), for He knows all and can see all. You might think you know what is best for your life, but God has mapped out the perfect plan for you – one better than you could ever imagine. The only question is, “Are you going to follow it?” It is fear that keeps many from stepping out in faith and doing what God has called them to do. But Hebrews 10:39 says that my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with Him. A spirit of fear can easily get in your hearts if you allow it, keeping you from doing what God has called you to do. I can’t tell you how many times a spirit of fear almost kept me from writing my book and beginning Whole Hearts Ministry. There were times during the course of the ministry’s inception that I began to question whether or not this was really from God and considered quitting before I got in too deep. I didn’t, however, because I knew that I was doing exactly what God had called me to do, and I also knew that God would equip me to do anything He had called me to do. He will do the same for you, as long as you don’t shrink back.

Don’t allow anything to shake your faith. Keep in step with God by daily putting your faith into practice, and you will soon find yourself living life like you had never before imagined.