I have no trouble believing God... or so I thought.
For quite some time, I've wanted to participate in a lady's Bible study. The ones at my church are on Tuesdays in the morning and evening and I can't go because of other commitments. I was thinking of starting one myself and inviting everyone I know, but I chickened out. In the course of 2 days, 2 people approached me about joining their Bible studies. One was in Albany and the other in Dallas. Ironically, or providentially, the studies were the exact same, one starting on Thursday and other on Friday of the same week. I decided to join my friend in Dallas every Thursday for the study called Believing God. It isn't the study I would have chosen if I had my pick, but God obviously picked for me.
I've been a Christian my whole life and I have no trouble believing God... or so I thought.
The Beth Moore study is based on 5 truths that are necessary in our walk of faith: 1) God is who He says He is, 2) God can do what He says He can do, 3) I am who God says I am, 4) I can do all things through Christ, and 5) God's word is living and active in me. I was cruising along the first few weeks enjoying Beth's talks via video and completing my homework, excited about what I was learning. Nothing was ground breaking, of course, because I have no trouble believing God.... or so I thought.
Beth writes, "Faith unchallenged is faith stifled.... Believers who know what they want to believe and refuse to be challenged may have a stand of faith, but they may not have a walk of faith." (pg 31, Believing God). Just like Second Corinthians says, "We walk by faith, not by sight" (5:7) and walking involves progress. I have been content far too long with my STAND of faith. Beth used an example she saw in nature while walking her dogs. She said she saw 4 ducks sitting in a puddle of water on the path. They happily played around in the puddle, not caring that a big, beautiful pond was just over the rise. I am so often content in my little puddle that I don't even look for more and God so wants to give me more.
During week 2, the study has a test of faith designed to expose areas in each person's own life that need help. The test is was to be done in private with the answers revealing issue where I don't believe in God as I should. I set out with my pen with little fear since I was so sure that I have no trouble believing God... or so I thought. I breezed through the first few questions on Scripture being God's word and I had no problems with believing Jesus Christ is the son of God. I came to a question near the end of the 20 total questions and it reads: I ________ pray generic prayers because I don't want to be disappointed by God. a) rarely, b) occasionally, c) often, or d) most commonly. I was just about to check the "good Christian" answer of a) when I suddenly started to cry. I remembered how just a week before I had used every ounce of faith I had to pray that God would heal my friend Annie. She died and I knew it was God's will, but deep down I thought, Why did I pray? It is easier to pray only about the little things than to be disappointed by God about something so important. I felt like God let me down. As I explored my deeper feelings, I realized there was so much I needed to work on so that I could truly say that I believe in God... completely.
Each week in this study is insightful and thought provoking. I am excited about the Bible and my stand has turned into a run as I try to take everything in. The truths I am learning, and that are changing me, are like treasures. Last week the study addressed 'God can do what He says He can do.' Psalm 77:14 says, "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Beth addresses such a difficult problem of faith very tactfully: If God is a God of miracles and I am His beloved, why isn't He coming through for me? She used the example of John, Jesus' cousin, who prepared the way for the Lord, dedicated his entire life to Christ and in the end, was martyred in a painful death.I read the chapter over and over again as she led me from one Scripture to another that described God's power, His love, and His Sovereignty. We are only called to believe and not doubt. We are to have a faith to be healed and a faith to be delivered but, above all, a faith to trust.
I presume that the majority of my blog audience "believes in God." If you do, I just wanted to share where my spiritual journey has been taking me... to a deeper place where God wants to bless me with His goodness. If you are not a believer, I hope you would take another look at what is keeping you from putting your faith in Christ. Has He disappointed you? While we may never know the reasons behind each event in our lives, I do know that believing in God holds a promise of eternity with the One who created each of us. He loves you so much and wants to show you amazing things.
4 comments:
Sounds like a really thought provoking study. The ducks I told you about continue to swim about in their ever shrinking puddle, I wonder how long before they discover the Lake is just a couple hundred yards down the path. I've been pondering this ever since you first mentioned it and have had some 'Ah- Ha' moments of my own... never to old to learn:)
Sometimes people are afraid of going too deep in thier faith and belief of God and what has been done for us. Usually it is out of fear which we know is satan trying to blind us. Many people are afraid to believe what is there for us, afraid that if they go to deep they will be vunerable. They don't know what they are missing. Everyone has journeys that are allowed in their lives. How they live it will determine how far they go. Maybe faith, job, life in general. Too many people allow satan to rule their lives/feelings and if that is by not trusting God for answered prayers he (satan)has succeeded. We saw many miracles the year Laurelai died. Things that people don't want to believe out of fear for accountabilty. Prayer is very powerful and we all get in ruts for generic prayer. Annie was a great light to many I hear. If Christ was ready to have her home it would not matter how a prayer was prayed. The point being I guarantee that there were people praying to God for her that haven't prayed for a long time. In otherwords it may not have been a long journey for her on earth, but she had her own ministry that followed her. I needed to read your uplifting comments today I too have been in a generic season lately. Thankyou for the reminder.
Wonderful! Okay, where are you doing this study??
I have heard nothing but rave reviews from Beth Moore. I loved your insight and what the Lord has been teaching you and working in your life. Thanks for sharing!
L so enjoy and grow from the Beth Moore Bible studies. I've had the pleasure of being in one of hers, the Patriarchs. I've never reflected on my spiritual life as much as when I was studying this in my small group. No pat answers and much introspection and reajustment. Thanks for your sharing of what God is showing you. Jeannette
Post a Comment