By Faith
“And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Insight
It's 7:30 AM on a Friday. The alarm blares, jolting you from sleep. As you fumble to silence it, your mind already races ahead to the day's tasks: that important meeting, the pile of laundry, the kids' soccer practice. In this ordinary moment, faith might seem far removed. Yet, it's precisely in these everyday instances that our faith is put to the test and has the potential to flourish.
Hebrews 11 paints a vivid picture of faith in action. Twenty-two times, we read the phrase "By faith," each instance describing not grand, miraculous events, but often simple acts of obedience and trust. Noah built a boat. Abraham left his home. Moses' parents hid him as a baby. These were ordinary people, living ordinary lives, yet their faith transformed the mundane into the miraculous.
So how do we, in our 21st-century lives filled with smartphones, deadlines, and drive-thrus, cultivate this same posture of faith? How do we turn our Friday mornings into opportunities for spiritual growth?
Ruthlessly eliminate distractions: As you reach for your phone to check social media, pause. What if, instead, you used those first waking moments to center your thoughts on God? It might mean setting your phone aside, turning off the TV, or simply sitting in silence for a few minutes. Create space in your day for God's voice to break through the noise.
Persevere knowing God sees you: When you're stuck in traffic, running late for work, remember: God sees you. This awareness can transform frustration into an opportunity for prayer, turning your car into a sanctuary. Your perseverance in maintaining a godly attitude, even when no one else is watching, is an act of faith.
Constantly direct your attention to Jesus: As you navigate your workday, practice the presence of God. When you're in a challenging meeting, silently invite Jesus into the room. As you complete routine tasks, imagine doing them alongside Christ. This constant redirection of your attention can infuse the ordinary with the divine.
Embrace everything as an opportunity for discipleship: When your coworker is difficult, see it as a chance to practice patience and love. When an unexpected bill arrives, view it as an opportunity to trust in God's provision. Each challenge becomes a classroom where faith is both tested and strengthened.
Let God consume every part of your life: As you tuck your children into bed, let it be a moment of gratitude and blessing. As you plan your budget, invite God into your financial decisions. There's no area too mundane for God's presence – He cares about every detail of your life.
Adopting this posture of faith doesn't mean every day will be easy. You'll still have difficult meetings, unruly children, and overflowing laundry baskets. But it does mean that in every moment, whether mundane or monumental, you have the opportunity to connect with God and grow in faith.
Remember, faith isn't just for Sundays or Bible study groups. It's a living, breathing part of every single day. It's about recognizing God's presence in the ordinary and allowing that awareness to transform how you approach each moment.
As you go about your day today, challenge yourself to see it through the lens of faith. Look for God in the ordinary. Respond to challenges with trust. Let your everyday actions become a testament to the extraordinary power of faith lived out in ordinary life.
Reflection
Think about your typical day. Where do you see the most opportunity to incorporate a posture of faith? What's one small change you could make to invite God into that space?
Recall a recent challenging situation. How might viewing it as an opportunity for discipleship have changed your response?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see You in the ordinary moments of our days. Give us the courage to eliminate distractions, the strength to persevere, and the wisdom to recognize every moment as an opportunity to grow closer to You. May our lives, in all their ordinary details, be extraordinary testimonies of faith. Guide our steps, Lord, as we seek to dance in rhythm with Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.