Who is your faith in?
I know I am supposed to write about faith without deeds but God has helped me to see they go hand in hand with each other. Deeds of my own do not show a faith in him but show me instead of him. Deeds done of my own works is without faith.
My story of the last three years has been a journey of faith and what deeds through him looked like to my family and me. I was in a car accident that left my back in a great deal of pain. The first year was minor pain that hindered my activity level. The second year I was in great pain, while sitting, walking or standing, and required a wheelchair to go to the store or any other distance. The third year I had surgery and it has taken a year of recovery.
Through that time God has shown what real faith and works look like. He provided food for our family and childcare help for our children. If someone would have told me I would not be able to do my own shopping, cooking or caring for my own family for a year. I would have asked, “How would I survive”? How would my family make it? God provided AMAZINGLY. That time has strengthened my faith in him and not me as the provider of all things.
Before being on my back with no way to help myself, I had faith in myself to do good deeds, take care of it all, and anyone else I could reach out to. But I did not have faith that God would do it without my help.
When I lost my ability to do. God helped me learn that I needed faith in him that deeds came through him not me.
Now I am continually reminded to bow down when I am commissioned by him to do a good deed for others. Allow others to look over me to HIM. It is a beautiful picture of him getting the Glory and Honor he deserves. He loves and comforts and provides all our needs.
I believe pure “Christ focused faith” automatically creates good deeds to glorify him.
Are your deeds an expression of your faith in Jesus or do they reveal your faith in yourself?
Oh, I absolutely love this. “Now I am continually reminded to bow down when I am commissioned by him to do a good deed for others. Allow others to look over me to HIM. It is a beautiful picture of him getting the Glory and Honor he deserves. He loves and comforts and provides all our needs.” Praise God for this message and your faithfulness that brings glory to his name.
Oswald Chambers wrote: “Christian service is not our work; loyalty to JESUS is our work. Nothing hoodwinks us more quickly than the idea that we are serving God. God does not expect us to work for Him, but to work with Him.”
Thanks, Cindy. These are deep, refreshing words this morning. God HAS been glorified through your trials, and you have obviously grown and become even more mature. Yea, God!
Blessings,
alan
Thank you so much Mz. Franz…for your rich words and challenge to take a personal inventory to see whom we are really serving…ourselves or God. Speaking of rich…you, Jon, Cora Jeanne, and Alia have enriched so many folks over the years at CCC…thank you for your commitment and your service…for what you DO and what you BE. Also, thanks for being real and transparent with where God has had you along your journey…it really allows Him to shine through. Take care, Doug