I have more questions than answers and pray for more faith all the time. But I'm well educated and a visionary type who believes the church has much to offer. I teach mission friends for the children and have given up adult teaching partly for like of preparation time partly for lack of something similar to inspiration.
Now, I've been asked tonight by the pastor to participate in a special long range planning commitee and am not sure if I should.
It all makes me feel like a fake sometimes and that is not what I want to be. But I also feel I can make some good contributions.... Aaarg!
What are you opinions/thoughts?
... and yes I'm studying my faith and bible, but nothing comes easily to me. Blind faith is something I've not been given grace for.
2007-02-15 16:53:10 · 7 answers · asked by G's Random Thoughts 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You know ... John the Baptist was the first to recognize Jesus. In fact, he lept in his mothers womb when Mary came for a visit.
It was also John the Baptist that saw Jesus coming towards him and shouted, "Behold! The Lamb of God!"
He was the first human to really recognize Jesus as the messiah. But towards the end of John's days, as he was sitting in his cell, he sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you really the one, or should we wait for another?"
John the Baptist had a crisis of faith. John the Baptist.
It's almost impossible to comprehend, so much so that some scholors and theologians say, "no, no. He was asking that for the sake of his disciples."
But we aren't told that in the bible. As we read, the clearst answer is that it was John that doubted.
If John the baptist can be weak in his faith, and still move for the lord ... than so can I.
It's ok to be weak sometimes. And it's ok to admit it. Anyone who says that they are totally unwaivering in their faith all the time is either lying outright or lying to themselves. We are all weak at times.
But it is in our weakness that God can use us the most. But we must be humble enough to admit our shortcomings. It is in those times that we find strength through God, and essentially faith.
Christ said, "Blessed is he who does not lose faith because of me."
Grab on to your faith, however small it is, and cling to it. Then let God do something with it.
Remember the story of the 5 loaves and 2 fish? That's not much food, but if God can take that little bit of food, and feed 5,000+ people ... imagine what he can do with one person with a heart that is willing to serve him.
I don't know if this helps you. But know that I sympothize with you a great deal.
You see, I'm a youth pastor. I've been working in youth ministry for 10 years. And I cannot deny that I sometimes have doubts. But I also know that its during those times when I learn a whole lot more about myself and my faith.
May the Lord bless you for your honosty, and for your weakness. May He use them to do mighty things with both.
2007-02-15 17:47:14 · answer #1 · answered by Angry Moogle 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"Blind faith is not something I've been given grace for". I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are not purposefully trying to insult other Christians.
If you have a wavering faith, why on earth would you be teaching someone else? First, get your own feet set under you, study God's word until you know that you can trust it as true.
2007-02-15 17:31:09 · answer #2 · answered by Esther 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"blind faith" hmmm Faith is not blind it "sees" by the Word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word. In the Spirit world - "sight" comes through the "ear" gate, not the "eye" gate as in the Natural world. Can you simply believe what God says? That is Faith. Faith is a mixture of love and trust. You know God loves you and would not lie to you and you trust God when He says something. The "words" are backed up by the integrity of the "person" - otherwise they don't have much meaning. Since God personally backs up His own Word - it is perfectly "safe" to trust it and accept it. His Word is the final "word" in Faith's estimation. It is not about our tiny brains (compared to God) "understanding" everything - it is about God being God. Now the question of should you contribute when you have doubts - absolutely. Doubts are not being "fake" it is being human. Perhaps by research in the Word and study and being actively involved, your faith will grow more. I too am well educated and a world traveler - that has not hindered my "Faith." In fact it has helped it. God and His Word can handle and question you have but don't let questions keep you out of the game. God Bless.
2007-02-15 17:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by wd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can make a positive contribution for Christ then you should do it. It doesn't matter if you feel fake. God knows your heart and wants you to do his will. He loves you and will surely help you on your journey. God can use a "fake" motivated person better than a "genuine" lazy person that may truly believe but won't do anything to really glorify the Lord.
That said, it is also good not to do anything for a season, but then after a rest go after it with gusto!
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. By exercising your faith and going for it, God will increase your faith!
True faith isn't blind. You know the one that you trust, and you believe that he/she can help you. It is based on your trust and the person's personality and trustworthiness. As you continue in your walk with Christ and meditation on the Word, your knowledge of God will increase, as will your service to Him, and it will yield increased faith. Believe me, you will grow in your faith as you follow Christ with a sincere, open heart.
God can be trusted!
2007-02-15 17:14:53 · answer #4 · answered by Remy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Faith sometimes comes through trials, so just keep asking God to help your unbelief and he will surely come through for you. And if you feel led to help in these areas then I would do so unless the Lord shows you he does not want you to. I always pray Lord I am going to do thus and such unless you shut the door and he will either allow me to or shut the door.
May God show you the way.
2007-02-15 17:04:47 · answer #5 · answered by wisdom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people who have weak faith have done great things. Many people who have no faith can still influence others in a positive way. If you think you can do good for the church then by all means go for it!
2007-02-15 16:57:32 · answer #6 · answered by anamaradancer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Awesome!
If you are not ok with serving on the long range committee then bail out.
If something is of GOD you will want to do it and not be able to avoid it.
And to be lovingly blunt. It sounds like you need to meet Jesus personally. All you have to do is honestly seek him. Simple but not easy.
Shalom!
2007-02-15 17:00:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋