Faith and Obedience—are practiced in the moment.
After 30 years of ministry—I find myself thinking about many of the folks I’ve labored together with in ministry…many of them who love Christ and continue to bear fruit for His Kingdom…but the sobering reality is that many of those I started in ministry with—are no longer walking with Christ.
I have described the Christian life as the greatest challenge any man would ever embark upon, because Jesus doesn’t ask for just a little more of our time or our money—his invitation is to completely surrender our lives to him (every day)…and that is no small matter!
As I’ve reflected upon my life—and those I’ve labored with—it has become apparent that many of Christ’s followers start well—but that few truly finish well. We began our walk with God through faith and obedience—and we grow in that walk–the same way…through faith and obedience. What I find to be challenging here is, that while yesterday’s faith and obedience do affect my current situation, I am still required to exercise faith and obedience in this moment in order to stay on God’s path.
In other words, yesterday’s faith and obedience—does produce current benefits in our lives—but to stay on God’s path—we must practice them again…and again. Faith and obedience are both exercised in the present—not the past…and not the future!!
I am reminded of Hebrews 12:1-3,
“….And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Finally, we can’t walk his path by ourselves or in our own strength—but with Him we can walk in faith and obedience in the most difficult circumstances! He will provide all that we need. May we look to Him in the present…again, and again, and again!