As we read about "hero's" in the Bible, those giants of FAITH, do you - like me, think about how wonderful it would be if we could only figure out how to live like that? Actually putting FAITH into action seemingly without any effort on our part,totally trusting God for our daily sustenance, for everything we need from the least to the greatest? Imagine speaking out with great boldness about the wonders of God and then BABAM! they come to pass? Who wouldn't want to follow your God if they were seeing in your life the miracles and signs and wonders happening, right?
What I'm learning as I continue to study Gods Word and seek wisdom through prayer, is that the men and women of the Bible were regular folks like you and me. They had no more faith, no more insight, no more ability than any of the rest of us. They wrestled with their feelings, they had failures as deep and wide as we experience. In researching their lives, however, I've discovered one thing they all had in common. In spite of it all - in spite of every failure, every shortcoming, every sin, every mistake, every fear - they had a WILLING HEART.
faith + a willing heart = a life balanced by wonder and joy!
Romans 12:3 tells us we all have a measure of faith. So our lack isn't in faith. God has given each of us faith. So we've got it, even during those times we aren't trusting, or operating in faith. Over and over in the New Testament letters believers are encouraged to "LET" certain things occur, let them happen or be in their hearts, their minds or their actions.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of
darkness, and let us
put on the armor of light.
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking
be put away from you, with all malice.
[ The Humbled
and Exalted Christ ] Let this
mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
And let the
peace of God rule in your hearts
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
But let us
who are of the day be sober,
This
"letting" comes out of our free will. It comes about through a heart WILLING to be obedient, willing to be submissive, willing to yield itself to the work and leading of the Holy Spirit. It is glorious when it all comes together and that is when we see God do the most amazing things! A willing heart is patient and holds steadfast. It steadily remains true to the truth God has spoken when things are not so great. When bad things are all that seem to be happening. When sad or hurtful or confusing things occur.
With a willing heart, though, even when we are standing on the thin wire of our faith, waiting to see what God will do, there is such a sense of excitement and anticipation. Like Abram, packing up his family and simply heading out, going where God would send him, without knowing before hand what he would encounter or even what his destination was. Like
Joseph, holding fast to the vision of his life God had given as he sat in prison for all those years, holding on and trusting that God would do what He said He would do. Like Samuel, so young when he answered Gods call!! It is exciting being in constant contact through prayer with the Father, for even the simplest decision! When we put it in His hands and walk by faith, amazing wonders occur!
Read about Abram, who would be renamed Abraham. Read the story of Joseph, of Samuel, and you will discover that every moment of their lives were not just about signs and miracles and wonders. They had struggles in life, trials to overcome, tough situations to deal with. There were plenty of opportunities for them to turn away from the Lord, to "let" sadness or depression or despair to rule their lives. But you will find that their faith, faith like the faith you have in your life, was accompanied by a willing heart, willing to obey, to surrender to the Lord, and the results were miraculous.
Let faith mix with a willing heart in your life, and watch and see what wonders God will work!
