Jude 1:3 ( NKJV )
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
As we continue in our walk through the nature of faith in God, I seem to be a bit stuck on this verse. I believe we live in an important day. Each week the Lord seems to be taking me in different directions than what I anticipate when I preach at our church. Last week our guest speaker preached almost the same things I have been preaching for weeks. Once again I need to encourage everyone who reads this to pay attention. God is saying something. Faith is always a subject worth preaching, but when a word is given under the direct instruction of the spirit of God it is a word for that moment.
God is saying we need to get back our edge of faith. I believe He is saying so because we are going to need it. On the one hand we need it now because of the opposition of the enemy. These are difficult and trying days. If we are going to flourish it is going to be because we know how to believe God. We need our faith to continue to be victorious. We always have, but I think this is a time where that is more true than ever.
I also believe we have a tremendous opportunity. This is a day of decision for many people. What will they believe in? What do they trust in for their salvation? I don’t mean spiritual salvation necessarily. I am talking about salvation financially, emotionally and in every other area of life. What decisions will people make about their future and their family’s well being. People are in a place where they need answers. The government was the answer in many people’s minds, but increasingly they are seeing that this is a false hope.
The world needs to see a people who trust in something that will not change. They need someone who can lead them to a savior who is always there and who has real answers to the problems of life. We cannot show them that savior if our own faith is not active and effective. This does not mean we all have to be perfectly prosperous or healed. It does mean that we need to show the confidence that real faith in God provides. We need to have answers to the issues of life that are not born in the uncertainty of doctrine or theology, but in the absolute assurance of the faith we have inside.
This is the faith that led you to salvation. It is the faith that caused you to accept a Lord and Savior you could not see. It is the faith that you trusted in to free you from an eternity of separation from God, and it is the faith that brought you the comfort of forgiven sin. It must also be the faith that you trust in for every day life. It must be the faith you trust in to meet every need. It must be the faith that stabilizes you in an unstable world. It is in there. If you are a Christian it is living in your heart.
Let’s get our edge back. Let’s show the world that there is a living God who changes things. Maybe we have not seen everything come to pass that we thought would. So what. I am saved. I have a relationship with the living God. I am free in the ways that matter most. I need to let that faith and confidence rise to the surface. I need to trust God for things that seem impossible again. I need to communicate to those around me that I have the answers they seek. Sometimes I don’t know what those answers are, but I know the one who does.
How about you?
Leave a Reply