As we continue our discussion on Faith, we talked last week about directions and following them. As I said this is a two-fold endeavor; just because we have directions doesn’t mean we are going to do what they say. Do we receive guidance and direction only to consider it? Or, do we Walk in Faith? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
There is one main component in the transition from reading and then following directions, we have to trust the one providing the directions. We also have to have confidence in our capabilities to do as directed. Trust vs. doubt, that is the battle that ensues. There are a few other things that contribute to the discussion but they can be simplified into the question of belief. Do we believe the guidance that is coming our way? Do we trust it enough to apply it? There it is, Faith in action.
So, you just moved up to a new division at the track. You have a car that is new to you, different from what you were familiar with. Where do you turn for advice? Now depending on your source, that advice can be useful or not. Let me explain.
When we are exploring new horizons there is a process of building confidence that needs to take place. There are very few of us who can just move up to a new division and excel. There are lessons to be learned, experience to gain. Practice to be run. You can’t just go to the champion of the division and copy his setup. They have gained the experience to be the best in the division, they built their way to the top. You can’t start at the top and expect to be able to handle it.
Remember we talked about David and him facing the giant? What did he draw on to have faith that he would be victorious? He referred back to how God was with him and helped him overcome lesser hurdles than Goliath.
Samuel 17:37; The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”
When we walk in faith we need faith building steps that allow us to do bigger and better things. That is why you move up a division. You felt you could handle the challenges; new, bigger, faster and more complex.
Think of how racecar technology has advanced. Think about how motors are developed, how horsepower has increased. Think about the development of shocks. How different are the new chassis from those of old? We are able to move further down the road because of the lessons learned, small steps that lead us to big accomplishments.
We learn to walk in faith by walking in faith. Not by looking ahead but by being where we are, in the circumstances we are in and trusting that God will be there to guide us on the right path. We receive encouragement from those who have come before us and show us the results of their walk. We learn from their successes and failures. We build off their efforts and are able to do more. Our faith can be greater because of the witness we have.
Hebrews 12:1; NLT; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
… let us strip off every weight that slows us down …
To walk by faith requires us to lighten the load. There are so many things that become burdens for us. Not necessarily bad things but when our priorities are not right, they hinder us from serving God. Some are easier to identify than others; Debt, Pride, Fear or Greed. Some we are conditioned by the world to believe we need. Others would be difficult for us to imagine not having; Job, Home, Family. We need to take a look at our lives and ask; What keeps us from serving God? What keeps us from walking in faith?
… the sin that so easily entangles…
Most of us think we are good people. We try to do what’s right in God’s eyes. We try to treat others as God would, BUT… There is within each of us the capacity to sin against God. As long as that is present we will get entangled in sin. Someone attempted to list all the sins in the Bible, they stopped at 667. I’m sure we could add a few more! How easy is it to get entangled in Sin? Hopefully we have the big things covered, but listen to these verses….
Galatians 5:22-23; But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
THIS IS WHERE WE GET ENTANGLED! Have we ever been unkind, unloving, lacked faith, abrasive, out of control, impatient, anxious or worried? There it is, the sin that so easily entangles. The things that keep us from experiencing the full blessing of God.
Where do we go from here?
… let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
When we place our Faith in God through Jesus, he enables us to walk in faith. When we walk in Faith, we persevere through all the hindrances and entanglements with our focus on Jesus.
Knowing the way is no good if we do not go the way. There will be distractions and failures. We will fall short; it is in our nature. But if we keep striving for the goal, letting those who persevered before us encourage us, we will be able to walk in faith.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
