Borrowed Faith

If you think being a Christian is easy, you are doing it wrong.

Sure, that's a blanket statement, and probably a judgmental one directed back at myself for the difficulty that I experience when trying to live to Jesus' example. Regardless, that statement speaks volumes to me and allows me to review where I am with my journey with God and living as He instructs. Even so, the dilemma also rests on me when evaluating my ability to do better than I am. For my mindset, or maybe my relationship with God, I find challenges of growth allow for me to draw closer to God, especially during times of need.

29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:29-31 KJV

I do not always succeed when deciding to either live for God or myself, nor do I expect that I should live a perfect life during my journey with God. Thankfully, we are blessed with not having to live perfectly. Though that forgiveness is there, we are expected to challenge ourselves to be more than we can be, rather than living independently.

For myself, rejoicing in the tribulations is my current task at hand. Similarly, a recent relative testified to me: "As soon as I heard God is always near, even in the depths of our own hell, that's all I rely on now." I openly cling to the promise that God is always nearby, too. The beautiful faith that he had on display allowed me to borrow his faith in a moment of lowliness. Regardless of how you feel about his confession, it was a confirmation from God that his faith could be borrowed.

16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 KJV

Though my life is a testimony for God, I still trip, stumble and fall. Just as I hope that the interaction above represents, I was having a weak point of faith that was rebuilt from a testimony of a friend. After sharing testimonies or trying to inspire others with the blessing of Jesus' ministry, often I feel as though shadows of the world slowly accumulated clouds within my sky. Whether the message was great or felt as though I was only ministering to myself, it sometimes feels as though the world constantly reminds me of the challenges that I face immediately after sharing about God's love. Be it relationships, finances, business roadblocks - anything that can try to deter me from sharing again.

With borrowed faith, I still stand stronger than if I were battling the negative aspects alone. Though we truly are never alone once we accept Jesus, it may be hard to see sometimes. If you do not have that community built around you yet, do not feel discouraged. With challenges still present, it is no easy task of living to that example from Jesus, but we are also given assistance. A comforter, as Jesus describes, is readily available. Even when a friend as described above isn't near, there is another source.

7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9of sin, because they believe not on me; 10of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:7-11 KJV

Yes, even to those of us that are not living the perfect life, or championing sermons on the steps of beautiful temples, the Comforter Jesus' shares of is always present. The Holy Spirit described above is still awaiting our requests with little requirements to start the conversation. In fact, it is a large part of what Jesus came to fulfill, just as he describes above and later in the Book of Acts. While each of His disciples did not want to part with their Rabbi (or teacher), Jesus shows us that He was our redeemer that brought us the Holy Spirit. Not just to His disciples, but to all gentiles (meaning even non-believers of the Jewish faith).

While we continue to place things in our life that numb our guilt for living wrong, or the items we use to distract us from how we should live, a comforter is available to lead you in a new direction. I know it looks or sometimes feels bleak, maybe little hope can be found in our current situation, or that hope could even seem non-existent to us. Regardless of what your mind tells you, hope is still very much present, living among us, and awaiting our request to meet us exactly where we are.

Just as the opening statement clearly states, it is not easy to accomplish the entire journey ahead. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, the work is just starting, but the reason to rejoice is that the victory is already won! So, rejoice! Do not feel overwhelmed by the idea of hard work but be ready to become exhaustingly-joyful and core-shakingly-inspired by God! It's ok to be intimidated. God's work does not always directly align to our logic here on Earth, but I have learned to be grateful of that.

21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 22All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. 23And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: for I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Luke 10:21-24 KJV

Jesus allows us to see that even His disciples are described as babes, or infants, when learning about the Kingdom of God, at first. Though many temples in the area house scholars that surrounded their lives with the Torah (the Jewish Bible, similar to our Old Testament), Pharisees and Sadducees are groups of people that Jesus approached aggressively to change their methods of approach and teaching. Common names to describe them would be vipers or hypocrites, challenging their tactics of mentoring and not practicing what has been learned from God.

In closing, if you do not feel as though you are standing in God's grace - repent. Meaning, bring your concerns of your life to God, asking forgiveness for your sin and to be led away from them/it. Accepting Jesus into our life allows for a guide towards and thru the next steps, beyond our comprehension. Placing God first allows for us to truly prosper in His sight. When we align our life more towards the teachings of Jesus and less towards our rules established by man, our treasures start to build within Heaven. Let's embrace the New Covenant that Jesus committed His life to creating. New promises that supersede the old.

6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. Hebrews 8:6-7 KJV

Please join me in prayer:

"Heavenly Father, we ask that You hear these words and humbly request that You search us for that which is not of You. Pearce the hearts of us living afar off from Your teachings and instruction. Guide and order our steps to live a life that brings glory and honor to Your plan. Encourage us to continue building Your Kingdom here on Earth. Fill us with Your joy and allow us to share that joy with anyone willing to hear it! Allow us to rejoice knowing that the victory is already won! In Jesus' name we pray, confirming Your Son allowed for us to receive Your Grace and Mercy. Amen!"