When I left Orlando in 2013 to come to Columbia, it was with a leap of faith. And now, as I return to Florida it is again a huge leap of faith. At my going away party in Florida, I cannot help but remember Dr. Bajaj’s words, “Effie has a faith that makes her fearless.” Perhaps it would appear that way whenever I step out into the unknown because I have been assured by God that He has called me to do so. However, the truth is faith is stepping boldly forward into what God has commanded surrounded by all the fears, the unknowns. Knowing full well that if God does not hold you up and sustain you, you will crash. It is clinging tight to the truth “God IS and He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Faith is seeking Him, obeying Him and pressing forward when all the circumstances around you look impossible; because, you have been assured that this is His will. It is knowing the depth of His love for you and never forgetting He is Sovereignly in control of all things. Some would say, there is no way to know His will. But I have written before on that subject many times. For me it comes with diligent prayer, patiently waiting for His answer. Often, it does involve fleece like Gideon. Yet, I caution you to ascertain the fleece is such as cannot be manipulated by you. Remember too that God never will tell you to do that which goes against scripture. He will never condone sin. So, you must diligently study His word exegetically and not manipulate scripture by taking it out of context.
Faith as the Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Any good fruit comes from a vine or tree that has been carefully pruned, watered, and provided nutrients from the sap of the vine. The Holy Spirit’s fruit of faith is such, with the fruit’s abundance being the result of years of pruning. Faith grows through many trials. If it is your desire to experience great faith, be prepared to face grave trials of your faith. Even then without the Holy Spirit within to comfort me, reminding me daily of who I am in Christ Jesus, recalling the scriptures which so graciously He has tucked away in my heart and mind; I cannot have any faith to stand. Faith itself is a gift of God freely given as we see in Romans 5: 1-2 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-9.
Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:8-9
So, as I prepare to make this journey back to Florida, I cannot say there are no sorrows or fears. What I can say is years of watching God’s mighty Hand of Grace provide for this undeserving child have taught me to trust Him with every detail. The Holy Spirit will provide the faith I need to step forward boldly. I may not always understand why He chose to love me. But I know I can trust in Him who so loved me that He gave His Son. He will be with me every step of this journey.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; Because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts to Consider
What Really is the Goodness of God?
A Gentle Spirit in the Face of Contempt. How?
What is Patience Really in the Face of Conflict?
One Failed Peacemaker and a Gracious God
In a World Divided How Can One Find Peace?
The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy
Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit Love. How?
Perfect in Love Oh How Can it Be?
Is Your Fruit of Love Sweet or Bitter?
How Does God Prepare the Soil for Growth?
What Fruit is the Garden of Your Heart Producing?
How to Discern the Voice of God from Yours?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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