FAITH IN ACTION

 

A few simple words, though heartfelt, that I texted a friend of mine this week.  I was describing what I saw in her daughter’s life as well as in my friend’s life.

Faith in action is something we are called to do daily, right?  To not just KNOW about God’s word or just hear it only, but to put flesh and blood to that knowledge and faith by taking action; to find ways to live out that faith each and every day.

 

It is because we have that personal relationship with Christ, we eagerly await ways we can shine His Light that is within us, with others, by our faith in action.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Kahunapule Michael Johnson under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

What are some ways you personally put your faith into action?  It would be great if you would comment in the section below.  Doing that may inspire someone else to see a new way they could put their faith into action.

 

Ways that come to my mind are…

–Sharing what Jesus has done in your life

–Encouraging someone who is struggling

–Checking on someone you know is sick

–Giving someone a ride to the store

–Bringing a shut in to Bible Study or church

 

 

 

What I find even more inspiring are those people, despite their circumstances or what they are going through in this life, put their faith into action by the way they handle happenings, mostly illnesses or unfortunate circumstances, in this life.  

 

It is people, who, despite their circumstances…..

–are not consumed in their own struggle

–keep their eyes on Jesus

–know in their hearts who is control of their lives

–they are still positive

–don’t blame God for “bad” things

–count the blessings they have

–are honest with God 

–God is their strength

—embrace God’s promises

–know that God’s grace is greater than what they are facing

 

You see this friend for about 7 years now, even longer than I have known her through social media, has dealt with a chronic illness, Crohn’s disease.  From what I have seen this disease is so debilating as you never know from day to day, even moment to moment, if it will flare up making one housebound despite the plans you might have.

The other difficult thing is that you don’t “look” sick so it can be difficult for others to understand that there is really something chronically wrong.

To complicate this friend’s life recently she learned she also has a form of arthritis that is affecting her joints.  Some days she can barely get out of bed and may need the assistance of a walker if she can get out of bed.

She has four children, the eldest a young adult who has had several health issues through the years including diabetes.  Just a few weeks ago they found out she most likely has a brain tumor.  They are running more tests this week so will hopefully have more information soon to know exactly what they are dealing with.

 

My friend and her daughter

 

 

My text was asking how the daughter was taking all of this to which my friend replied, “She is in good spirits.  Praise the Lord.”

 

 

Their faith inspires me, makes me have a better attitude about things in life and see how I can grow more in my faith; I am so thankful to know them.

Yes, they sometimes get angry at God, might even cry and yell out to God honestly letting their Father know how they feel.  Once that is out, there is some healing and they continue to cling to Him and turn the situation over to Him.  I believe these thoughts that my friend shared during this past week speaks volumes of her FAITH IN ACTION.

 

“I surrender ALL Lord, I’m feeling as if everything is happening at once & I can’t do it on my own. This load is too heavy so, here it is!!  Thank You for being my strenth, and carrying me when I can’t walk the road on my own and because of You and Your promises, I don’t have to!”

“It’s the frightened whisper of my momma heart as I repeat, “I do believe, help me in my unbelief!” Lord, I boldly come before you asking for Your intervention. So many things are happening that it’s hard to breathe, please make Your presence known and help me leave it all with You!”

A quote from a song, “All to Jesus I surrender.  Make me Saviour wholly Thine. Let me feel the Holy Spirit. Truly know that Thou art mine.”

“You know as I pray for my oldest and bring my concerns to the Throne, I take comfort that my child is His child and He loves her even more than I ever could!”

“People need to stop saying, “at least I can pray”…prayer is the most powerful thing a person can do because you are literally handing the situation over to the God of miracles.  Be grateful Jesus paved the way for us to speak with our Maker, our Heavenly Father!  And PRAY!!”

“We’re going through some things but there’s also good things as well.  Trusting God with and through it. He’ll get us through!!”

“….God definitely has this all in His more than capable hands. I’m trusting Him by letting it all go.  EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF THIS I AM HANDING OVER TO HIM.”  Whatever He has planned is going to be something HUGE! So GO God!! I CAN’T wait to see what You are going to do!!”

 

I believe this quote I saw sums up her philosophy of life:

 

 

 

May reflecting on these thoughts inspire your faith journey this week to put your faith in action on an even deeper level.

 

Just a friendly reminder to please comment in the section below a way or ways you have put your faith in action. Thank you in advance!

 

Faith that doesn’t lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead! –James 2:17  (CEV)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.  –James 1:22-25  (ESV)