Solutions Journal - Day 5
November 17, 2006
Day 5 - Trust and Test (Taking Risks)
Faith is risky and trust is tried in the testing of our faith. If I don't act on faith, it is probably not real faith. Real faith permeates everything and flavors my whole life. It seeps from the outside and oozes out from the inside.
Deuteronomy 28 Insights for today - I sense God nudging me/us toward pro-activity on our part regarding the things He intends to bless. First, obedience, then the normal activities work, business, planting, and reaping - all bathed in the refreshing waters of faith-trust.
We don't get paid up front in business or conventional jobs. we believe in the "pay-off" at the end of the task. Sometimes, it takes me months or even years to get paid for my time investments. In the same way, God does not send all of His rewards on the front-end.
We must stretch ourselves through the trust/test connection and that can seem very risky.
Malachi goes further, extending this "risk" to our finances. God uses the prophet's voice to call for a material investment in the process of being blessed. While there is a promise attached, it is not the principle reason for the investment. The reason is that we are simply returning what rightfully belongs to God.
And that is the essence of stewardship: It is all God's stuff and we are God's people. In psalm 23, we are reminded that He leads us in the paths of righteousness for HIS NAMES' SAKE.
That means that God has a vested interest in our success in the area of righteousness (i.e. right relationship and right direction).
The lesson for me? I must put my time an d treasures where my mouth is.
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