Day 16 - A Faith That Moves
Posted by Michael O'Neal
“By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.” (Hebrews 11:29, NIV)
Most of you know the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The Israelites complained and grumbled constantly. Despite God’s continual protection, they usually showed a lack of faith. However, this crossing of the Red Sea would be a different kind of day for the Israelites. As their enemies (the Egyptians) pursued them, God told them: “Move on!” (Exodus 14:15). The Israelites did exactly as God directed them to do, and God took care of the rest by dividing the waters and destroying their faithless enemies.
A faith that pleases God is a faith that moves. When God asks you to do something, then you get moving. Delayed obedience is disobedience. What do you think God is asking you to do? Encourage a friend? Make more time for your family? Host a Bible study in your home? Use your God-given talents in the church? Commit your life to follow Christ? How we respond to what God is asking us to do reveals the maturity (or immaturity) of our faith. But here’s what so encouraging–When we follow God in faith, He takes care of the rest. When we get moving, He divides the waters ahead of us (the rough and calm waters). I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33: “And He [God] will give you all you need from day to day, IF you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” (NLT). Get moving today, and let God divide the waters ahead of you.
PRAYER: “Almighty God, thank you for your faithful protection over me. So many times, I’ve been like the Israelites, and I’ve grumbled and complained. From this day forward, I want to have a faith that moves. Whatever you tell me to do and wherever you tell me to go, I’m trusting you to take care of me. I’m trusting you to divide the waters ahead of me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
POINT TO PONDER: Move on to whatever God is directing you to do, and trust God to divide the waters ahead of you.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:24 am
Great post, Michael. I struggle sometimes with knowing if God is telling me to do something, or if I’m coming up with it on my own and then expect him to make everything go smoothly. It can feel like such a big risk at times, that I think there’s no way God is telling me to do it. That’s when we have to rely on the “immerse yourself in prayer” phase and listen for his direction.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Delayed obedience is disobedience….It is so hard to act quickly. I want to be sure and thankfully He gives me many “signs” and has still blessed me. We want God to answer or requests quickly, but we delay our response to His call. Delay…after Michael’s sermon Sunday that word has just followed me around every day. I need to be more prayerful and ask God what I need to learn from the “Delay” I am going through right now. I feel like I’ve learned so much, but what’s next…still searching while having faith that He provides ALL I NEED not all of my DESIRES.