The Faith the Defies Logic

 

Jesus encourages the application of faith for things which are seemingly impossible.

How does faith operate? 

For a start, faith begins where logic ends. 

 

1 Corinthians 2:5 says that our faith does not “rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

 

Faith is based on who God is - His unchangeable character, His power and His Word. Faith is not based on our ability, our expertise or our acumen. 

 

Abraham exemplified this “illogical” faith. Hebrews 11:8 says that, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (emphasis mine)

 

Quite unlike Abraham, we want to understand all the pros and cons before we implement a decision, or even take a step forward. But faith is about implicit trust and obedience in a God whose ways are far beyond our comprehension. 

 

Like Abraham, faith will cause you do things which seem radical. It will cause you to look foolish. But, remember, such acts of faith propel the greatest breakthroughs. 

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

 

Let’s unpack those verses:

Trust in the Lord – You and I are called to have complete faith in God

Lean not on your own understanding - Let go of your logic

In all your ways acknowledge Him - Depend on God in everything you do

And He will make your paths straight - The consequence: God will provide a breakthrough .

One of the greatest obstacles of faith is human logic. It’s only when you let go of logic can faith operate fully.

By Rajiv Shelladurai

CLOTHES FOR THE RIGHT SEASON

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:"

Covid-19 pandemic has ushered us unto a new season. We need to identify what season we are in, so that we can appropriately adapt to the season we are in today. We need to adapt our wardrobe to the seasons. We don't wear winter clothes in the Summer, nor Summer clothes in the Winter. I believe we have had a season of Winter, but Spring is coming, and Summer will soon be here. The season of Winter has made many people weary, depressed and burnt out. At the same time, I believe the winter has caused many to draw closer to Christ. Yet, as in winter many things die or go dormant, so it has been in this season. The season has brought a greater understanding of our fragility, and lack of control over what is takes place, which has brought a greater lesson. We can't put our hope on know one else but Christ. I know that I have been and am being brought to a new level of trust in God. My branches have been stripped of self-sufficiency, and pride. This stripping was necessary to cause us to trust God more, and will bring greater fruit.

Disruption causes us to to trust God at a deeper level. Disruption shows where we are anchored, in man or God. This has caused us to draw nearer to Him. Trust is established in intimacy. This season has hopefully caused our roots to go deeper and draw deep from the river of life.

Psalms 1:1-3 - "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

You may still feel the bitter coldness of Winter, but lift up your head, Spring is coming. The blossoms are appearing. You may still feel weak, disoriented and fearful, but trust in God's love, goodness and faithfulness. You are stronger now then you were before, even if you can't see it now.

Divine Appointments

 

We are living in tumultuous times, which creates great opportunities for God to show up in a powerful way. I challenge you today to ask God to give you divine appointments. For this to happen we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We need to ask God, what are you doing right here and right now. We must live in the moment. It must be a daily choice. 

 

Acts 8:26-31 - "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?”

Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The one thing I love about this story is that the Holy Spirit told him to go stand by a desert road, and God gave Him no reason or explanation. He just obeyed. The second thing I take notice of in this story. Philip never saw the full fruit of his obedience. he was taken away by the Holy Spirit after his brief encounter, and most likely never saw him again. He didn't see the countless people who were probably brought to Christ through this influential man. Many a time, we don't see the fruit, but it doesn't matter. All we are asked to do is be in the here and now, listening to the Holy Spirit and being obedient to His voice.

There are divine appointments everywhere. We just need to look away from ourselves. We need to lift up our heads and say, Lord here I am, your servant. Show me what you have for me today. It may not be something great God is asking you to do, at least not great in your eyes. You may never know the full ramifications of one word or action done in the name of Jesus.