Faith can seem ridiculous! Sometimes God asks us to do things that look crazy until they're not. We might question why He leads us through certain situations. However, consider this: if God doesn't act in ways that silence comments such as "anyone can do that," how will He demonstrate His greater power to us?
Faith Demonstrated in the Bible: Noah and the Ark
Noah building an ark in a region that was miles away from any body of water may have looked ridiculous, but it became sensible when the flood came.
Noah had faith in God and His word even when what God said hadn't happened yet. He had faith that God would flood the earth while living in a dry region that had no access to the sea or ocean.
There was no record of rain falling on the earth during his era. And the people around him struggled to understand how there would be so much water coming to flood the earth when rain didn't exist.
Constructing a huge floating structure in a dry place seemed ridiculous, yet Noah chose to trust in God's words rather than his surroundings, observations, and environment.
If you could picture the condition that Noah was in, it didn't make sense with what Noah was doing. He was building a huge ark that resembled the Titanic in a place with no water for miles. But faith doesn't make sense initially until it becomes reality.
Noah building a massive floating device didn't make sense at first until the rain started to fall and the land started flooding (Genesis 5:28-9:29; Hebrews 11:7).
External sources or circumstances should not impact our faith. Hebrews 10:38 states, "But the righteous will live by faith."
This is why reading the Bible is so important in our faith walk. By understanding the life stories of our predecessors, we can better understand how to live a life guided by faith. (Galatians 2:20). Their stories serve as a guide on living by faith rather than relying solely on what we see.(2 Corinthians 5:7).
It is important to follow God's teachings rather than allowing our circumstances to influence us. God's words take precedence over any situation.
Just as Abraham's faith was shown through obedience to God, our faith should be the same (Hebrews 11:8). Similarly, Moses, despite having to restart his life in his forties, found sustenance through his trust in God (Hebrews 11:24-27).
Jesus Feeding the Multitude with Fish and Bread
Another instance of ridiculous faith is when Jesus miraculously feeds a large crowd with minimal food. This serves as a powerful lesson on the prospects that opens for us when we have faith. God is showing us what we can do when we have faith in Him.
Jesus' inquiry about the quantity of fish and bread the disciples had appeared to be a demonstration of how God can transform scarcity into abundance, rather than a cause for worry. This demonstration was illustrated when Jesus instructed the crowd to sit down, divided the 7 loaves of bread and some fish, and instructed the disciples to distribute them to feed a crowd of more than four thousand individuals. Later, the disciples gathered 7 baskets of leftovers from the original fish and bread supply (Matthew 15:34-38).
The moment when the disciples saw the meager provisions multiplied to satisfy the hunger of the huge crowd, served as a profound illustration of God's ability to work through human limitations and transform scarcity into abundance.
The feeding of the four thousand was not merely a demonstration of Jesus' power to perform miracles but a powerful lesson in faith, trust, and the boundless abundance that God provides to those who believe.
Dive Into the Deep End
Having a deep level of trust in God is comparable to diving into the deep end of a pool and letting yourself sink without trying to swim, as you have confidence that God will prevent you from drowning. You trust that He will either supply you with air to breathe, bring you back to the surface, or do both. This is the kind of faith that elevates you and makes your life supernatural.
When Jesus questioned two blind men about their faith in Him, He touched their eyes and healed them "according to their faith." Their healing was not due to their exceptional righteousness or worthiness, but because they placed their faith in the right person: Jesus the Messiah. Their faith was effective because Jesus is powerful and reliable (Matthew 9:27–29).
Take your fears and concerns to the Lord so He can provide a solution that you cannot see.
Don’t Let Fear Mess Things Up!
Often, we make plans out of fear for uncertain situations, without knowing for sure if what we fear will happen. Despite our anticipation, it is crucial to rely on God's promises, even when we cannot foresee the outcome (Genesis 12:1-3, 11-13).
Abraham's lack of trust in God's protection serves as a cautionary tale of how taking matters into our own hands can lead to undesirable consequences (Genesis 16:2-6; Genesis 21:9-10).
In addition, Abraham feared for his life and the safety of his wife due to her exceptional beauty. However, he could not die prematurely as God had not yet fulfilled His promise to make his descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3).
If God promised you something you must trust God to not make things worse for yourself. God is faithful and reliable by nature, so you can rely on Him to fulfill His word. Even in a probable dangerous situation, God’s Word sways the outcome—when you trust Him!
Our disbelief has hindered some of us from seeing what God can do and from what He has done. But don’t wait for your feelings to agree or line up. If you wait you will only impede your progress.
Blind Faith
If someone tells you to not jump off a bridge because you’ll fall into the water, it's easy to believe and trust the person if you can see the water yourself. But what if you’re blind? You’ll have to trust and believe what that person says.
While blind if you choose not to believe and jump, there is a risk of drowning. Conversely, by believing and refraining from jumping, you will ensure your safety.
Having faith is akin to being a blind individual receiving guidance from God not to leap. God, with His all-seeing ability, recommends against certain actions or encourages you to take certain steps because He can predict the outcome.
By placing your trust in Him, you refrain from jumping. However, if you doubt Him, you risk sinking.
Although we may be blind or unaware of how things will turn out, God is always aware and in control.
Just as a parent wants their child to be safe, protected, and make wise decisions, God also wishes the same for you. You can have faith in God to guide you along the correct path in life. But trust is essential for God to help you in any circumstance because we need God to show us what we cannot see.
Without faith, you will be like the people in the days of Noah who criticize and mocked him instead of helping him build the Ark until it was too late, and they died.
Here are three methods to avoid doubting
1. Hold fast to the word of God at all costs. Cling to the promises of God regardless of the circumstances. It requires a deliberate mindset of rejecting the lies of the enemy and holding fast to the promises of God.
2. See things from God’s perspective. Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see. Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Looking at situations from God's point of view helps us to discern what God is doing. When faced with a challenge, adopting God's perspective diminishes the impact of the enemy's lies and deceit. Seeing things as God does doesn't always mean grasping the whole picture, but rather knowing that, based on Scripture and perhaps our own experiences, everything God does is beneficial.
His promises are always kept. When He speaks, it is certain to come to pass because of His nature. It is impossible for it to be otherwise. Understanding God's character is essential to gaining His perspective. Familiarity with someone's character enhances the relationship and provides insight into their actions and limitations.
3. Eliminate, reject, and resist doubt through worship, prayer, and studying the Bible. Even when we firmly rely on God’s teachings and perceive situations from His perspective, doubts may still be presented by the adversary. He is relentless and resolute, striking when we are most susceptible or at the most strategic moment. This was evident in Jesus' experience during fasting. Satan is aware of the effects of fasting and exploited this moment to try to tempt Jesus.
If you try to rationalize the things God asks of you before undertaking them is a surefire way to fail. This approach imposes constraints, prevents you from receiving and enjoying His rewards, confines you, robs you of your freedom, holds you captive, and leads to complications.
Instead of dwelling on the reason, simply follow His instructions. Certain life events will remain mysterious or not fully understood until all the pieces are put together and you see the results. Hence, attempting to rationalize every aspect of God's actions is futile, as human comprehension is insufficient to fully grasp it all (Isaiah 55:8-9).
You will not fully understand how God is using your experiences for your good until you see how He puts things together, for your good (Romans 8:28).
Benefits of faith
Faith gives you peace, patience, gets rid of worry, give you hope gives you expectation, and gives you joy (Romans 15:13; John 16:24).
It allows you to have patience in times of uncertainty and difficulty, knowing that things will work out in the end. With faith, you can let go of worry and trust in God to guide you through challenges.
Moreover, faith provides you with hope and expectation for the future. It gives you a positive outlook on what is to come, allowing you to face each day with confidence and optimism.
Additionally, faith brings joy into your heart. It allows you to find happiness and contentment regardless of the circumstances you may be facing.
Ridiculous Faith
As ridiculous as some of the things God will ask us to do, they are easy for Him.
Our life should be anchored in God because living a life relying on human efforts is bound to collapse.
Having faith eliminates the need for striving. The key is to surrender to God. If faith involved self-effort, then faith will no longer be necessary. Faith is God's grace upon your life, allowing you to reap the rewards and benefits.
What is impossible for humans is possible for God (Luke 18:26-27). People begin to do things they could not do before, or thought was beyond their capabilities.
Our relationship with God makes impossible things become achievable. When you know someone or have a connection with someone then you are aware of what they can do.
Know, Ask, & Act
Know what God says and promises in the Bible for your life's well-being and success. Once you find out what they are, ask Him for them. Let Him know you are ready for what is promised to you and rightfully yours (Ephesians 1:11—18, Romans 8:17, Titus 3:17, Colossians 1:12, Psalm 16:6, 1Peter 1:4, Galatians 3:18—29).
Next, act and live your life according to what was promised and what you asked for. Whatever you ask for in prayer believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24). Then show gratitude and be content as you trust God to make the right move.
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A call for salvation
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, His spirit will become one with yours. This is one of the greatest blessings of salvation. You don't have to go through someone else to get to God, as you and Him are now one.
All you must do is receive salvation, simply choosing to repent of your sins and welcome Jesus into your life by confessing Him as Lord. Believe in your heart that He came from Heaven, died for your sins, was resurrected, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Romans 10:9).
Sinner's prayer: "Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life, in Jesus' name, Amen. Ref. Wikipedia
After this step, pray for guidance to find a ministry where you can grow spiritually, gain knowledge about the kingdom, and begin living the abundant life promised by Jesus.
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