DOES MY TRUST IN GOD PREACH A SERMON?
Christine Wyrtzen
Trust in the Lord. Have faith; do not despair. Trust in the Lord. Psalm 27:14
I used to believe that a sermon was only delivered by a speaker; one who uses words. Apparently, sermons are not limited to that. Anyone becomes a preacher when people watch them extend their faith toward a situation, using the Word of God as they go. Faith in Christ is what separates the believer from the unbeliever.
How healthy is my faith today? One of the ways that question is answered is by examining how I view the trials in my life. There are places in me that need wholeness. Am I discouraged or hopeful in God for change? There are walls within my family that seem to be healing too slowly. Am I despairing or joyfully anticipating God's intervention? There are roadblocks in my work that don't seem to be moving. Am I frustrated or at peace, knowing that God is in charge and there’s no such thing as being stuck?
It's easy to say, "Yes, I am a Christian. I believe God and trust Him with my life." But when it comes time to apply that trust, specifically, in each situation, I can find myself staggering in the mire of unbelief. My lack of faith is never isolated. As I interact with others, my unbelief can become a pool of toxicity which ripples out to dampen the faith of the church.
On the flip side though; every time I choose to extend my faith in the most difficult places, the Word of God is preached. When others see me hopeful, trusting, confident in whom I believe, I am a powerful witness. My faith is more effective than 100 church services. Jesus is the light that shines through me; He is the living water and I am the fountain which spills His influence onto others.
What is the answer for any who read this and say, "Sounds good but I'm short on faith. I can't conjure it up. What do I do?" God has already graciously given the answer. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." The only remedy to a shortage of faith is immersion in the Word and the breath of God as I meditate on it. When that spiritual phenomenon occurs, faith grows from a mustard seed. The resulting confidence in God uses my voice to infect my world.
I hold out my faith toward every seemingly impossible place in my life today. I praise You, in advance, for Your intervention and my joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Tuesday, 05 March 2024.
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