Back Flips

I have come into contact with a wonderful illustration of the type of faith God requires from us. Its much more than believing that God exists James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder. Beyond believing in God's existence, he wants us to believe in what he says-to take him at his word. In other words, when he says something, we need to view it as the undisputable truth. That is beliving and faith at its fullest! My daughter Lili is how I came by the illustration of faith I mentioned earlier. Imagine that, a child displaying faith that exemplifies God-honoring faith! Mark 10:19"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." So, let me tell you how a little child receives God's word....my daughter, as I previously mentioned learned a new Bible verse in preschool church Phillipians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength, and she believes these words from the Bible so much that she thinks her disabled mother or anyone else including you, I am sure, can do a backflip through Christ who gives us strength. Its sweet and silly, but it makes me think, "Does my faith measure up?" Because I can guarantee you I haven't yet nor do I plan to ever attempt that backflip that she believes with her whole heart that I can do. In fact, recently, I have been fearful of what I may be getting myself into as I pursue to fill a speaking schedule. "Am I up to what all it will entail?" "Do I really have anything to say that could impact a person for Christ?" my mind questions as I pass out business cards advertising this blog and providing contact info to book speaking engagements. Jesus looks at me with disappointment I fear when he hears these thoughts bouncing around in my skull, and responds to me much like he did to his disciples in Mark 4:40 "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" When Jesus said this he had just calmed a terrible storm that the disciples had feared would take their lives, and they still cowered in fear. I think Jesus wondered, didn't you just witness the great display of my power? Why are you still afraid instead of trusting that I am in control and can deal with any thing that comes your way as long as you're with me. Of course, maybe they were afraid of him because of the power they had witnessed from his hand, but I have a feeling Jesus is beyond misunderstanding body language and behavioral cues! Now, I wonder right along with Jesus at the fear I am experiencing as I face a few potential audiences after witnessing him calming the most recent storm in my life! Do I really believe deep in my heart just as Lili does that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength be it a back flip or a speaking engagement? I do! Amazing how recognizing he is at my side dispels all fear! Are you fearful today? Ask Jesus to be your wing-man, and you can do all things through him who gives you strength!...even a back flip;) You may say, "I've never witnessed any display of God's power, and I respond, " read back through my blog posts to witness second hand what he's done in my life, or take in the story of the Exodus of the Israelites in the Old Testament, or consider Jesus' resurrection after he was crucified on the cross because these events display the power that is at work in the lives of those who have Jesus at their side!" Just so you know, there is no need to worry that I will be attempting any back flips today; however, I may fearlessly pass out a few business cards and contemplate what the future may hold;)