For me to say, “I believe I can pick up that paperclip” is not really faith at all because I know I would not have to exert much energy to do so. In fact, I could continue picking it up all day long and the only thing draining me might be a sense of monotony. Picking up a paperclip would not be stretching myself at all. However, for me to say I was going to lift something weighing 300 pounds would be something I would need to work toward. That would require some exercise and training. It would take some time to develop the muscle strength to do so because it would be something I have not done.
Someone has said, “Faith is a muscle that grows by stretching. One of the ways you increase your faith is by doing something God asks you to do.” [original source unknown]
For me to just do what I have always done does not require faith. It is actually merely depending on myself and perhaps what I have become comfortable with; what I am familiar with and know I can do. However, when I unquestioningly follow where God leads, that is an act of faith. When I accept and do what God has commanded me, it is an act of faith. When I am willing to surrender to being stretched and moved out of my comfort zone to serve the will of God, it is an act of faith. Whether I know exactly where He might be leading or the reasoning behind what He has said to do, to stretch forward into it is faith. Is that not the faith Abraham was noted for and for which he was commended? (Hebrews 11:8, 17-19) Exercising faith is trusting God to sustain me and work things out in accordance with His timing and wisdom while providing me with the strength necessary for whatever He is leading me through.
As James encouraged. . .
“(2) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)
Trusting God regardless of what I might be going through is the means of my faith being evident and by which I have the opportunity to grow in greater faith. As “no pain, no gain” may be the motto for the developing of physical strength through bodily exercise, perhaps “no strain, no gain” could be the motto for spiritual growth. As the apostles said to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5), may I trust it will be done as I press on in step with Him!
Have a great day STRENGTHENED THROUGH THE EXERCISE OF FAITH LIFTS!
Carl
