Faith Check

Hebrews 11:⁶ “And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God.  For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him.” (TPT)

When God shows up, God shows up! There have been many times that I have gone to God in prayer, taking my troubles and my prayer list to God. And by the time I burst in as if I am ushered in, all I can do most times is burst out in songs of worship and adoration. I just stay there worshipping, and time just rolls by. I may have gone to God with prayer requests, but I leave worshiping. And guess what? God takes care of the prayer requests because the answer is in God’s presence.

Sadly, we often do not connect with God because of a lack of faith. Remember the story in Mark 4? There was a storm, the boat was being tossed around. Interestingly, when situations have not escalated, people pray ‘cute’ prayers. ‘Oh, Thou Magnificent, Omnipotent, Omniscient Father of all the galaxies.’ Grammar! But when the situation escalates and the troubles get out of hand, all you can say is, ‘Help! Lord, I need You.’ Your words communicate your need for His help. I have actually seen people borderline rude to God. But God is bigger than all that. God knows that it is their heart’s cry, and they are crying for help. God knows that they are not rude.

Just like the disciples in Mark 4, the storm was raging, and they saw Jesus sleeping. They went to Him and said, ‘Don’t you care…” That does not sound very respectful. ‘Don’t you care that we will perish?’ In order words, what kind of insensitive leader are You, Jesus? What did Jesus do? I imagine that Jesus yawned and said, ‘Why are you guys disturbing Me?’ Then He looked at the storm and commanded, ‘Peace, be still!’ and the storm was still. Every storm in your life will be still in the Name of Jesus. After Jesus had rebuked the storm and it was still, the disciples bowed in awe of Him saying. ‘What manner of man is this that the winds and the storm obey Him?’ When God shows up, we are in awe of Him.

While they were asking Him, ‘Don’t you care…’, Jesus was asking them, ‘Where is your faith?’ I do not know what you are going through or the questions you are asking God. Some of us are not even bold enough to ask God, ‘Don’t You care?’ So we say, ‘I praise You, Lord’, but in your mind, you are saying, ‘Don’t You care? Can’t You see me?’ And God is saying to you, ‘Where is your faith?’ Please read Hebrews 12:18-24. The Blood of Jesus will speak forgiveness for you. So, get ready for an encounter with God that will leave you in awe of Him.

Prayer: Father, take me to higher ground and let Your Name be glorified, in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen!