Often times it’s not faith that we lack, but courage. The World wants us to be scared. The Enemy wants us to forget, or at least not be mindful of the fact that the Spirit of the Living God lives within us. It’s easy to believe that God can do whatever he wishes, it’s hard to believe, on the other hand, that I can be his agent of redemption—that God can fulfill his redemptive plan through me, a mere human.
I remember the story of Joshua who takes over leadership of the people of Israel after the death of Moses. There is no doubt that Joshua has the faith that God can gift his people this land. Joshua witnessed God’s power and faithfulness through the plagues in Egypt and through the desert wanderings. But Joshua along with a group of slaves warring, and gaining the land through military victory and might?! It makes sense, then, that in Joshua 1 God is tells Joshua over and over again to be strong and courageous. God does not say, “Joshua, have faith! I can do it!” No, God says, Joshua, have courage and strength, I can do this through you.
The same was true of Moses and the burning bush. Undoubtedly Moses believed in God, after all, he was speaking to Moses from a bush. Not only that, he turned Moses’ staff into a snake and back to a staff again! Where Moses struggled, however, was having the courage to stand in front of Pharaoh as God’s representative. Pharaoh was an intimidating guy! Moses knew him, Moses grew up with him. Pharaoh was a brutal and violent dictator. Moses knew that God could overthrow this guy, however, he didn’t want to believe that God would do it through Moses.
We must accompany our faith with courage. He can do great things. He can also do great things through us.
Awesome. (Kind of weird seeing a K-Y.com add while reading though)
FOR REAL?! That shouldn’t be…. I’ll look into it.