Jerry and I joined a new (to us) small group Sunday afternoon. Our church is doing an eight week study of the book of Titus, and we had a very good discussion on the questions put to us in the videos. One question went something like: What does authentic faith look like?
This morning in my Bible reading in Luke, I came to this passage:
When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” (Luke 5:4–5, NASB95, emphasis mine)
I thought about the discussion we had yesterday. Here was one excellent answer to the question of what faith looks like. When Jesus asks you to do something and it makes no rational sense (Simon and his crew had fished all night long and caught nothing; why should they expect it to be different now?), and yet you still obey, that’s authentic faith. When logic says pack up your nets and go home, but you respond to God with, “But I will do as You say,” that’s what authentic faith looks like.
This verse is going onto a sticky note where I can see it often and remember to make it my first response when Jesus tells me to do something new. I just may catch so many fish they threaten to swamp my boat.
Happy Monday, friends.
~robin
I have to stop and think how often do I do as He says? Sometimes I question was that me or the Holy Spirit? But more and more, I’m starting to obey that voice, no matter how uncomfortable it makes me. And when I don’t, I’m really sorry I didn’t. 🙂 Thanks for the good reminder, Robin. I think I’ll post that on my screen, too.
Wouldn't it be great if this were always our first response, Ane? I want it to be, but it isn't always. Still learning. Will undoubtedly still be learning right up to the moment I depart planet earth for my forever home.
Good stuff Robin. Obedience is an issue of the heart and, in the moment, often does not make sense to our head.
So true, Bob.
Just what I needed to hear, a reminder to obey even when the rational mind says, no. Trust when it appears to be foolish to do so. Faith in Him will never be the wrong choice. Thank you, Robin, for the much needed inspiration.