Bold Faith

I remember when I started making it known that I was newly pregnant with my first child, people would come up to me and begin to share stories about horrific pregnancies.  It was like they wanted me to be aware of what "could happen" while lamely assuring me that it "probably wouldn't happen to me."  Yeah.  I still haven't fully recovered.

I've been encountering some of the same kinds of people lately while we attempt to sell our home and live out genuine faith.  And they got me sidetracked and thinking that maybe nothing will actually happen.  Maybe God is about as big as an apple.  Maybe I shouldn't be asking for things that are too big and difficult, because surely a God the size of an apple couldn't do much anyway.  And besides, I didn't want to appear too passionate and somehow offend anyone.  But then... it hit me. 

I have never judged anyone because they didn't believe what I believed.  While I have never pushed my faith or beliefs on anyone, I've also never backed down from what I believe because I believe in a God that created those apples!  Not a God that is the size of one.  And I'm going to be authentic and passionate about God on this blog and everywhere else in my life because life is short. It can end at any moment. 

I got myself all fired up (which almost never happens to me, I swear- giggle) and I woke up in the middle of the night, thinking about the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who got themselves captured by a bunch of Babylonian hooligans, back in about 539 B.C. Then they got themselves thrown into a fiery furnace, by a crazy king that wanted them to worship his golden image. (Daniel 3) And God rescued them because of their bold faith.  Before they ever got thrown in, they told the king that "...the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know O king that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."  They were fully resigned to God's will, even if it meant being today's BBQ special, but they still boldly stood by what they believed.  As will I.

So as I enter this phase, I've boldly asked God for some specific things in my life.  And I am going to have bold faith (Luke 11:7-13) that the God who creates apples can do more than I can even imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) God could most certainly provide a cash buyer for our home.  God could easily work all the details out so that we are settled before the start of the school year.  And even if he does not... I'm going to follow Him passionately. 

Are you believing in a God the size of an apple, or are you believing in the creator of the apple? Is there something you need to have bold faith with?  Go ahead, release your passion and be bold!

He's a big God.

...read here for more of my continuing journey...