(Part 1 of 2 Parts)
"Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for Your servant hears.' Then the Lord said to Samuel: 'Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.'" - 1 Samuel 3:10-11
It is 3:30 in the morning. Like Samuel, the Lord woke me up. What I "heard" in my mind was scripture, which I will share in a bit. I think I will have to break this up into two parts - there is much to share with you.
Martie and I have been on a journey of faith since 1992 I suppose when the Lord called us away from the military. It was not until some years later did we have perspective or understanding of the life that God was actually calling us to. We are but two small fish in the sea of time - we know that. But still - God uses small things to accomplish spiritually big things for His purpose and glory.
We have just started teaching Experiencing God for the third time. The principles or spiritual realities that are the pillars of that study are not merely conceptual for us, but are a very real part of our lives. Like the laws of nature - there are observable spiritual laws or principles at work in the lives of those who have been born again by the Spirit and are adopted into the family of God.
To reduce the "study" to its essence, God speaks - but we are not always certain that it is God. When we finally understand that it is God speaking to us, like with Samuel - and Paul on the road to Damascus - and so many others in the Bible, God's invitation to join Him brings us to a Crisis of Belief that requires faith and action. In other words we have to trust God by faith. Based upon that trust, we must take some action to join God in what He is calling us to.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1
The idea of faith has been rightfully used and has been abused. Used as a reason to act in ways that defy natural wisdom and logic. Abused to justify acts that are based solely on natural or carnal motivations. The litmus test to determine which motivation is at the root of an action is the fruit - is God glorified and the good of others promoted - or is it all about my glory and my good. A lot of people have used the name of God to justify their actions over the years, when God was not part of it at all.
The actions that we must take to do what God has said do will always require major adjustments in our lives. The question is - will we trust God and step out of the boat.
"And Peter answered Him and said, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' So He said, 'Come.' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!'" - Matthew 14:28-30
Just to make it clear - people cannot, naturally, walk on water. But you know that by experience don't you? Peter's actions were conditional - "Lord, if it is You." God never asks us to do anything that we can do on our own - it always requires His intervention. I just had a conversation about not being told how to do something but just tell me what you want done and I will get it done. That may work in the natural world, but not in the spiritual realm. We are totally dependent upon the power of God at work in and through us. We don't experience God until we obey God.
Peter was walking on the water by faith and by the power of the One who had command over the water molecules that formed a liquid but behaved under Peter's feet as if they were a solid.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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