Gaining a Fresh Perspective on Faith!

Frequently, we find ourselves overwhelmed by the the pressures of life. We find ourselves in fear as we begin to look at our own failures and shortcomings. We discover our needs surpass our resources and the level of our fears increase exponentially.

As I was thinking about all this, I was reminded of the fact that the disciples encountered just such a dilemma in their lives. There was the occasion when Jesus and His disciples got into a boat and pushed off to find some rest and solitude from the pressing crowds. The Scripture tells us: “The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. ‘Be careful,’ Jesus warned them. ‘Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.’ They discussed this with one another and said, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’ ‘Twelve,’ they replied. ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?’ They answered, ‘Seven.’ He said to them, ‘Do you still not understand?'” (Mark 8:14-21 NIV).

Although they had just witnessed Jesus feeding the multitudes with just a small portion of food, they found themselves overcome by their own immediate need and the lack of provisions for that need. Blinded by the reality of what they were seeing with their physical eyes, they failed to look beyond with their spiritual eyes. They saw only the here and now rather than the possibilities made possible through faith in a powerful GOD.

I often find myself looking at what I have or don’t have and allowing that to create feelings of fear for my future. I allow my lackings to create feelings of failure for both myself and my family. But Jesus is calling us to rise above that. He is calling us to recognize His care and concern for us. He reminds me that He is not only capable but willing to meet every need I have according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). 

When God calls us to step out in faith, our first response should never be something like, “Ok GOD, as soon as I can get the resources together, I will do just that.” NO! Our response needs to be an immediate affirmative response followed by an immediate step of faith toward the fulfillment of the direction GOD is leading you in.

GOD desires for you and I to gain a fresh perspective on faith by learning to trust in Him for the necessary provisions of life.