FaithVenture

A few months ago, I preached a sermon about “outrageous faith,” and God’s desire for us to move out into the unknown of following God even when we don’t know what the outcomes will be.  As I have pondered this idea of “outrageous faith” in light of our country, state, and church’s economic situation, I began to wonder if we are living by faith or by fear.  Fear of what will happen to our job.  Fear of how we will pay the bills if we do lose our job.  Fear that things will only get worse for us because of how we have managed our finances.

And then I wondered, how is this fear affecting our giving as God has called us to give. How it has affected our trusting God to provide as God has promised to.  (See Matthew 6:25-34)  How has it affected our seeking God first and believing that God will take care of all those things we stress and worry about.  (See Matthew 6:33)

And then I thought, maybe this is one of those ways God wants us to live with “outrageous faith.”  Maybe God is wanting us as individuals and as a church to continue to give faithfully as God directs in spite of what the future may hold.  Maybe
God wants us to continue to manage our money well and still give of the tithe even though we don’t know if we will keep job.  Even though we’ve been reduced to unemployment.  Even though things are financially strapped.  If outrageous faith is stepping out in obedience with “the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1) then maybe God wants us to continue to give even though it seems outrageous at this time.

Just something I’m pondering as I strive to live a life that lifts up Christ!
Pastor Tony J.