Right there in front of God and everybody, my heart lurched at the words of the hymn. I questioned them. As my voice continued singing, my mind wondered about those seven words.
Did my heart mean what my mouth sang?
Called as partners in Christ’s service, called to ministries of grace,
We respond with deep commitment, fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing, side by side and friend with friend,
Equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end.
In my experience, faith tends to grow during times of
- hardship
- loss
- suffering
- questions
- disappointment
- feelings of inadequacy
- obedience
- leaving my comfort zone
- trust
- all of the above
There’s not much increase in my faith when life is rocking along smoothly.
But I believe the hymn’s words speak truth: We ARE called to partner with Christ, side-by-side in ministry, deeply committed, learning to become more selfless. Those are good things, right?
Why did those words about new lines of faith have to be in there, too? I don’t like the pain involved with expanding faith.
I had an email conversation with one of you this week. The topic was ministering to neighbors often referred to as “the least of these”; people who even become friends we care about deeply, but their life choices are difficult to watch—and detrimental to their families—and there’s nothing else we can do to help.
We can be their friend, but we can’t make their life better. In the end,
It’s God or nothing.
God or nothing. It sounds like a last ditch effort, doesn’t it? It sounds like God is the last resort—after we’ve tried to do everything for ourselves, and failed. It sounds familiar.
God already knows my nature is to protect myself from pain; to shy away from faith-stretching opportunities; to be selfish.
I wonder what my life would look like if I embraced tracing those new lines of faith. What if I focused anew on tried-and-true faith-builders so my initial responses to challenges are less “me” and more God?
Since faith also tends to grow during times of intentionality, what if I embraced these more fully?
- Bible study
- prayer
- accountability partnerships
- acceptance—of myself, of others, of what God allows in my life
- all of the above
What if I partnered with Christ in tracing those fresh new lines of faith—instead of resisting them?
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13
As you begin this final weekend in January 2020 (how already?), I’m praying for you. Wherever you are, whatever your plans, whatever challenges you face . . . even if you’re at a “God or nothing” place . . . remember this: God is enough!
Challenge him.
Trust him.
And if you know someone who needs this encouragement, please practice that art of sharing.
And now you’re ministering to me again here, Susan! Thank you, friend, for your faithfulness to God and your example to the rest of us to lean more and more on him. I so appreciate your prayers! They and you mean a lot to me.
Susan, Thank you for this, as usual God speaks to me through your words…..”acceptance of others and what God allows in my life” was particularly poignant to me right now…….thankful for you and your heart for God and others!
Love, Cindy
Cindy, I wrote those words as a reminder/challenge to myself… but I’m glad they spoke to you, too. Thanks for always encouraging me!