First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. Romans 1:8
Faith on display for God elevates the faith of other Jesus followers. It’s challenging and encouraging to be with Christians who totally trust Jesus, seeking to live out His ways. When I am with my friend Larry Green, he lifts my faith in the Lord to another level. When I am unsure about an issue or perturbed about a person He lovingly asks me, “What is God’s heart on this matter?” I thank the Lord for Larry because of his uplifting influence in my life and for the effect his very positive faith has on others. Faith boldly lived out helps others step out in significant faith.
Paul is thanking God through Christ for the Roman Christians who did not allow persecution to stop their fiery witness. In fact, their attempted beat down by deadly foes became a platform for sending missionaries around the known world. These genuine followers of Jesus did not receive honor in their home town or country, but God used them to spread the gospel to those who would gladly be saved. Paul was compelled to pray for them and thank God for their extraordinary faith. Faithful love in the face of unloving forces facilitates faith and very grateful prayers.
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16).
When you take a step of faith in a difficult situation, those around you are inspired to follow. Their faith tends to grow along with the growth of your faith. You may have more questions than answers to a relational dilemma. Give someone the benefit of the doubt by helping them work through their doubts. Be patient, someone’s self doubt is an opportunity to support them by taking them to the Bible for confidence and comfort. Scripture soothes the soul. Stories of faith grow faith. When someone knows God believes in them—their belief in themselves is bettered.
Furthermore, be wise to draft behind the bold faith of other followers of Christ. Like drafting cyclists—stay very close to those who love Christ, as their faith energy pulls you forward. Get out of your comfort zone: join a small group on a mission trip, accompany a caring friend on a hospital visit to encourage another sick friend or associate with a respected cause that stands up for justice. The growth of your faith can compound exponentially in the company of other growing Christians. Thank God for faith stories that fuel your soul! Faith feeds on faith.
“All these people were still living by faith when they died” (Hebrews 11:13).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me faithful by Your grace, so I can inspire faith in others.
~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~
Faith on display for God elevates the faith of other Jesus followers. It’s challenging and encouraging to be with Christians who totally trust Jesus, seeking to live out His ways. When I am with my friend Larry Green, he lifts my faith in the Lord to another level. When I am unsure about an issue or perturbed about a person He lovingly asks me, “What is God’s heart on this matter?” I thank the Lord for Larry because of his uplifting influence in my life and for the effect his very positive faith has on others. Faith boldly lived out helps others step out in significant faith.
Paul is thanking God through Christ for the Roman Christians who did not allow persecution to stop their fiery witness. In fact, their attempted beat down by deadly foes became a platform for sending missionaries around the known world. These genuine followers of Jesus did not receive honor in their home town or country, but God used them to spread the gospel to those who would gladly be saved. Paul was compelled to pray for them and thank God for their extraordinary faith. Faithful love in the face of unloving forces facilitates faith and very grateful prayers.
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16).
When you take a step of faith in a difficult situation, those around you are inspired to follow. Their faith tends to grow along with the growth of your faith. You may have more questions than answers to a relational dilemma. Give someone the benefit of the doubt by helping them work through their doubts. Be patient, someone’s self doubt is an opportunity to support them by taking them to the Bible for confidence and comfort. Scripture soothes the soul. Stories of faith grow faith. When someone knows God believes in them—their belief in themselves is bettered.
Furthermore, be wise to draft behind the bold faith of other followers of Christ. Like drafting cyclists—stay very close to those who love Christ, as their faith energy pulls you forward. Get out of your comfort zone: join a small group on a mission trip, accompany a caring friend on a hospital visit to encourage another sick friend or associate with a respected cause that stands up for justice. The growth of your faith can compound exponentially in the company of other growing Christians. Thank God for faith stories that fuel your soul! Faith feeds on faith.
“All these people were still living by faith when they died” (Hebrews 11:13).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me faithful by Your grace, so I can inspire faith in others.
~Wisdom Hunters Devotional~
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