A recent breakdown necessitated a new automatic garage door opener. The controls remain just inside the back door and above the light switch, but the panel configuration differs so I’m retraining my automatic response, my muscle memory. After a few days I realized the unit came with motion sensors so I simply take two steps into the darkness and light floods the space, no need to fumble for a switch.
Stepping into the unknown is also a spiritual act, an act of faith. Let’s look at its biblical components – who, what, when, why and how.
Who? “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe,” Romans 3:22a.
What? “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1.
When? “The righteous will live by faith.” Galatians 3:11b and “For we live by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Why? “That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith,” Romans 1:12.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God . . .” Hebrews 11:6a.
How? “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved,” Romans 10:10.
“Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ,” Galatians 2:16a.
What now? “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” Ephesians 6:16.
“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings,” 1 Peter 5:9.
“Fight the good fight of the faith . . .” 1 Tim 6: 12.
Will you allow God to retrain your muscle memory of faith?
“Dear Lord, Let us choose the fearless way of faithfulness (Psalm 119:30a) and “stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong,” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Help us to know that You are already present and have already illumined what appears as darkness to us. Thank you, Amen.”
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see,” Hebrews 11:1.
Exercising Faith’s Muscle Memory for Bold Steps into All Unknowns, PJ
COPYRIGHT ©2016 PJ Gover
PJ.Gover@yahoo.com http://www.PJGover.com
Filed under: Practical Christianity Tagged: faith, faith and the unknown, What do I need to do to build faith?, what does the Bible say about faith?, What is Christian faith?
