Is Your Faith Alive?

My wife and I have been watching the series, A.D. The Bible Continues, and in last night's episode, I was drawn in to the character of Stephen and the way the producers of the show saw fit to portray him.

Here was this young man, a well-learned scholar of the Jewish faith, that was asked by Peter to look after the new converts in the camp…he quickly refuted the request and told Peter that he was called to preach. He eventually made good on his desire to share God's word regarding his Savior, Jesus Christ. There, in front of the Sanhedrin, he delivered his one and only sermon. It so infuriated them that they bound him, took him out of the city and stoned him to death.

I always believed through my study of the Scriptures that Stephen was a model convert, filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to do any good work for the cause of Christ and this fledgling new faith…and I still believe that to be true. But what struck me, as I watched this portrayal, was Stephen's desire to do what he believed God had called him to do…and that was to preach the Good News…and he was not about to let anything or anyone deny him his calling.

So that got me to thinking…what about you and I when it comes to our "calling?' Are we so committed that we are always at the ready to be obedient to step out in faith and do that which is required? Are we willing to put feet on our faith and spring into action to do what God has laid upon our hearts?

James probably said it best in his book, chapter 2, verse 17: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

So how's your faith today? Is it ready for action at a moment's notice or are you waiting for a "one of these days" moment before you step out in faith and answer God's call to be obedient in service. Good and godly intentions are meant to be lived out, not just dreamed about as we wait for the perfect time.

Today, step out in faith and be a person of action for our Lord. He has already prepared the way and He will be with you every step of the way, no matter how difficult the task or arduous the journey Show the world that your faith is not only alive and well, but is ready for action…action that turns our dreams into to God's great and mighty works.

Yes, when we do God's work in His time and in His way, He gets the glory and we get to hear those precious words…"WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND PRECIOUS CHILD."

Putting feet to my faith,

WPQ

Thought for the day:

Don’t put off until tomorrow

What you can achieve today.

Just trust the Lord in all you do

And He will guide your way.

He'll give you joy in doing,

Each task will help you see.

God's in the "doing" of great things

When He uses you and me.

WPQ   MAY 2015

www.thankfulpraisemionistries.com