PREACHING A SERMON WITH MY FAITH

For not only has the Word of God has sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.  I Thess. 1:8

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 they extend their faith toward a situation, using the Word of God as they go.  Faith in the power of 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 hurts within my family that seem to be healing too slowly.  Am I despairing or joyfully anticipating God’s intervention through prayer?  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 of the timing 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 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, that is a powerful witness.  It is more effective than 100 church services.  I am the light which shines forth; I am the living water which spills 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 grow from a mustard seed and 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.