“But the righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB).
The beginning of a new year causes me to evaluate where I am and where I want to go. I realized that my physical and spiritual muscles have become a little soft. Soft may be desirable in pillows and toilet paper—but not in body tone or faith.
Just as my body requires fuel and exercise, so does my soul. Studying my Bible feeds my faith, but I need to exercise that faith to stay strong and continue growing. Knowing the perils of fragile faith and the benefits of firm faith motivates me to exercise my faith muscles.
Just as my body requires fuel and exercise, so does my soul. #RechargeWednesday, #NewYear Click To TweetBelow are two lists to help you take inventory of the condition of your faith.
Fragile Faith:
- Worries, frets and forgets we have a Father who knows our needs. (Matthew 6:30, Psalms 23:1)
- Is timid and fearful (Matthew 8:26)
- Is easily sabotaged by distractions (Matthew 14:30-31)
- Quickly forgets God’s history of faithfulness (Matthew 16:8-10)
- Limits our spiritual power (Matthew 17:18-21)
- Limits our options (Romans 14:1-2)
Firm Faith:
- Believes what God says (Matthew 8:5-10)
- Provides deep healing of body and soul (Matthew 9:2, 22, 29, 15:28; Mark 2:6)
- Restores our sight — Literal sight in this passage, but also spiritual sight (Luke 18:42)
- Grows stronger in impossible circumstances (Romans 4:19-20)
- Expands our personal freedoms (Romans 14:23)
- Is demonstrated through obedience (Romans 16:26, Hebrews 11)
- Is based on God’s power not man’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:5)
- Has Christ as its object (Gal. 2:20, Hebrews 12:2)
- Is bold (2 Timothy 1:7)
How did you do? If you, like me, checked too many in the fragile faith category, don’t fret (see #1 in fragile list!). Instead, create a plan to renew your mind and and strengthen those faith muscles. When will you read your Bible? If it helps, write it on your daily calendar. What will you read?
Because faith is living, it needs constant care. Just as we eat, sleep, exercise, and practice good daily hygiene to enjoy physical health so we must work to maintain vibrant faith. No one brushes her teeth and says, “Good, I never have to do that again!” So it is with faith. Moment by moment, opportunity by opportunity, I must choose to walk by faith or, by default, I won’t.
Moment by moment, opportunity by opportunity, I must choose to walk by faith or, by default, I won't. #RechargeWednesday #NewYear2019 @DebbieWWilson Click To TweetMy goal for this year is to consciously choose faith! Let’s pray for each other, that this year will be a year of strong faith—faith that says, “Wow, what a Savior!”
LINKUP PARTY opens at 6 am EST!
Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:
1. Add your Link.
2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.
3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page
First #RechargeWednesday Linkup of the New Year features a practical way to evaluate the shape of your faith by @DebbieWWilson . Join us & Share your blog! Click To Tweet
Thank you, Debbie, for this challenge to soar into 2019, strong in body and in soul! I am SO with you on this!
Let’s cheer each other on, Michele!
Debbie, it was good to be reminded that we must choose to live by faith. Faith must be lived out intentionally. A good way to start this new year!
Thanks, Joanne. I want to choose faith instead of letting my feelings and limited perspective rule me!
Love this Debbie! Fragile vs firm is a very helpful way to think of this. Happy new year!
Thank you, Bethany! Happy New Year to you, my friend.
Debbie, this is so timely. I was just having a discussion with one of my kids about stepping out in faith and trusting God to provide, even when we can’t see what’s ahead. Love this!
Crystal, that’s wonderful you are helping your children do this. We all need encouragement to trust God when He calls us our of our comfort zone.
What a great message for the new year, Debbie. Oh how I want to intentionally choose faith this year. To really believe what God says and walk forward in all His truths and promises. Thank you!
Karen, I do too. There are so many reasons to walk by faith. Not the least being it pleases God. Happy New Year!
Creating a plan definitely makes a difference for me. Without a plan, I usually don’t get things accomplished. Granted, I do love a good to-do list so I am wired that way. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement, Debbie! Happy new year!
Happy New Year to you too, Lisa!
Consciously choose faith. I needed that challenge. I’ve been in my feelings too much lately. laurensparks.net
Lauren, it’s startling how quickly feelings can jump in. May we both choose faith this year!