Practicing Faith

As I look back on my life journey, it’s undeniably clear that there is a “God-sized hole” in my heart that only Jesus can fill. God has set eternity in the heart of man, in my heart, and your heart, and at every turn He is drawing us back to Himself.

Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, reminds us that God moves in seasons. Over many years of walking with Jesus, I’ve observed seasons in which God clearly moves. I’ve also experienced moments in life where He waits to move, and in such seasons, faith is required. 

”Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1) 

Faith in God requires certainty and risk, yet not without hope, or Help.

I grew up playing sports and music, and I quickly learned that without practice, I wouldn’t grow in my skill, and I certainly wouldn’t succeed in my performance. I knew that if I didn’t practice well, I wouldn’t see good results on game day. As I ran cross country and track, this principle was especially true. As I dedicated myself to practicing well, I saw race times drop!

This Fall, after a decade of not running consistently, I’ve decided to begin training for a marathon. But…

I’m out of practice. 

Though I’ve run a full marathon before, I’m starting with a beginner training schedule. This will help to create a consistent rhythm of getting my body back in shape, to achieve the goal of finishing a marathon. 

I’m practicing running again. I’m practicing to achieve the goal of completing a race. And, I know as I develop this practice, the fruit that comes from this will be newfound discipline and better health.

In the same way, this Fall, I’m seeking to practice my faith in a way that achieves the goal of complete trust in Jesus and to experience the fruit of this type of practice. 

Spiritual fruit. 

So believer, leader, how are you practicing your faith? 

The book of James says…

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:14-19)

Faith requires certainty. 

Risk. 

Action. 

Hope.

This Fall, amidst your ever-growing and full schedule, how are you carving out space to practice faith well?  How are you taking action, and practicing the hope you profess? Let’s make this a season of growing in faith…together!

God set eternity in your heart for reason, that we might be fully satisfied in Him. Let’s run the race together!

This is a simple yet profound statement that has stuck with me over the past year…

Rootedness plus the right rhythms yields extraordinary flourishing.

This season, this Fall..may we flourish in Him.