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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Pigs Might Fly (10/31/13)
We cannot convince ourselves we have faith. Almighty God offers it as His gift; a gift He loves to share. Many of us experience insecurities (another word for feeling unsafe); thus, we attempt to ensure some sense of protection. To do this, we often assume "control" over our lives rather than surrender to the Great Champion. We say, "Lord, give me faith! What do I need to do?" We emphasis the "I" in our plea. Yes, we have a responsibility to put our faith into action; however, the first act is letting go. Yes, letting go. How many times have I envisioned myself holding onto a rope from the top of a cliff where I hear God say, "Ok kiddo, let go." I react, "Yeah right! When pigs fly! I have some sense of safety holding onto this rope!" He just keeps saying, "Let go." When I look down, I panic and grab the rope tighter. Well dear ones, it is time to let go. The ropes we hold onto…our self-will, control, addictions, fears, insecurities etc. keep us trapped dangling from the cliff. The reality we do not see cannot be seen without God's implanting of faith. We cannot understand He is creating a safe place for us, unless we trust Him. When we let go, we give Him permission to catch us as He stands on the ridge below. Each time we make this choice, we gain greater appreciation for His mercies.

You may be asking, "So, you said faith is not of human power?" Romans 10:17 (NIV) explains faith come from "hearing the word of God." Faith is implanted in us each time we listen to His word, His whisper, and His guiding. Hebrew 11:1 (NIV) pronounces, "now faith means that we are confident of what we hope for, convinced of what we do not see." The word "confident" is a form of "safety." If I continue to listen to God's word, I am increasingly secure in His direction and arms. Each time we obey Him, our faith increases. Without His leading, there cannot be faith in Him. I can have faith in myself of course, but then I just continue clinging onto my brittle rope. His word, His guidance and His love will not break. So no, I am not in control. The unhealthy things I hold onto for support take control from me. My brothers and sisters I ask you, what is keeping you from trusting Him, from letting go of your ropes and having faith He will catch you? I encourage you to jump into His word and explore His purposes for you. He will tell you how to let go.

Second Timothy 1:12-14 (NIV) clarifies, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you, guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit that lives in us." Please know, by no means am I saying hardships are God's punishment for not trusting Him. He did not say we would all live in mansions and eat from golden plates. He said He uses the meek and humble in this painful world to further His kingdom. Consequently, I have come to realize, though extremely scary and difficult, through the struggles of my life I can model His love to others. I am choosing to believe the traumas and poverties are investments into helping others not perish. This has given my pain new meaning. It has given me purpose and a sense of safety. But to do that, I had to let go of the pain, fear, self-will, pride, gluttony, anger, and the ropes of my past. Believe me, letting go has not been easy! And though I do not always see immediate changes, it is about the little transformations in me. The sense of purpose I now have on that cliff. And when I find myself on a new cliff, I will need to let go again. Faith is letting go of me and clinging to the faith He implanted in me.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
11/07/13
A very inspirational and well written devotional that was both uplifiting and honest in its content and delivery.

Nice job!

Keep writing for Him,

God Bless~
Bonnie Bowden 
11/07/13
Very inspiring devotional. It is sometimes very difficult to let go and wait until God reaches out to catch you.
Larry Whittington
11/08/13
You have a lot of good stuff here.

Shorter paragraphs would make it easier to read but the thoughts would still carry from paragraph to paragraph.

Yes, if we would just listen to God's word and obey he could help us grow. His Holy Spirit, which we receive when we are baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, can help us understand what God wants us to do to be like Christ.

Again, good thought.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/09/13
This is a beautiful devotion. I totally can relate to the fear of letting go. You do a great job of setting up a real experience and then transitioning into the Biblical message.

Remember to start a new paragraph when someone different starts to speak. That will break your piece into smaller paragraphs as well, which is good because big paragraphs in such short pieces can overwhelm the reader.

I liked your subtle take on the topic. The way you presented it is perfect and allows the reader to recognize herself in your words. Normally I wouldn't do this, but I think you will appreciate it. This piece reminds me a bit of a true story that I once wrote called the Three Cords where I feared letting go. I'd be honored to have you read it because I think you would really get it. You can click on my name and it will take you to my profile page where you can find the story. I mention this because I have needed to be reminded of that experience and your story did just that. Thank you so much. Your words really blessed me.
Richard Hicks
11/14/13
To be honest, I almost did not take the time to read this because of the lengthy paragraphs. But once i got into reading it your words jumped off the page and into my heart. This is so much truth in your words. I want to encourage you to keep writing. What you have to say in your writing people need to hear. The rest will fall into place. God Bless!