Let's lift up 
Let's lift up 
Let's lift up Obeying God (5)
Saturday 15th December 2018
'God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.' 1 Corinthians 1:27 NCV
When we rely too much on the approval of others, God's limited in what he can do through us. Having faith often means we'll look foolish or illogical to the world. Think about how faithful biblical characters would have appeared from the world's perspective: Noah built a boat in the desert; 90-year-old Sarah believed she could have a baby; Moses asked Pharaoh to let his slaves go; the Israelite army marched round Jericho blowing trumpets; David took on Goliath with just a slingshot; Peter stepped out of a boat in a storm. And to those who didn't understand, it made no sense for Jesus to be hanging on the cross. But the results speak for themselves: Noah survived the flood; Sarah gave birth to Isaac; Moses delivered Israel out of Egypt; the walls of Jericho fell; David defeated Goliath; Peter walked on water. And Jesus rose from the dead and bought our salvation.
There comes a point when we must stop listening to the world, and listen to God instead, even if it doesn't make sense to us or makes us look ridiculous. We need to step out in faith, obeying God and acting as if he's already answered our prayers. Jesus said, 'Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours' (Mark 11:24 NIV). The world doesn't know best. God does.
So what now? Have you been hesitating to do something for God out of fear of people's opinion? Pray for courage to obey him, despite what others may think. You can do it!
Saturday 15th December 2018
'God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.' 1 Corinthians 1:27 NCV
When we rely too much on the approval of others, God's limited in what he can do through us. Having faith often means we'll look foolish or illogical to the world. Think about how faithful biblical characters would have appeared from the world's perspective: Noah built a boat in the desert; 90-year-old Sarah believed she could have a baby; Moses asked Pharaoh to let his slaves go; the Israelite army marched round Jericho blowing trumpets; David took on Goliath with just a slingshot; Peter stepped out of a boat in a storm. And to those who didn't understand, it made no sense for Jesus to be hanging on the cross. But the results speak for themselves: Noah survived the flood; Sarah gave birth to Isaac; Moses delivered Israel out of Egypt; the walls of Jericho fell; David defeated Goliath; Peter walked on water. And Jesus rose from the dead and bought our salvation.
There comes a point when we must stop listening to the world, and listen to God instead, even if it doesn't make sense to us or makes us look ridiculous. We need to step out in faith, obeying God and acting as if he's already answered our prayers. Jesus said, 'Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours' (Mark 11:24 NIV). The world doesn't know best. God does.
So what now? Have you been hesitating to do something for God out of fear of people's opinion? Pray for courage to obey him, despite what others may think. You can do it!
