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faith and the darkness :: Friday E-Devotion

What do we miss when we choose comfort over a challenge?  What happens when we would rather rest than rescue someone?
 
Fact is most Christian are looking for the 'easy way out' rather than seeking to live by faith, living for God.  We would rather know what the next step is and not face uncertainties.  What do you think?
 
Hebrews 11:1 (nlt) --- Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
 
Yep, faith pushes us to our limits.  It takes us to places where we do not know the future.  Faith expects us to follow God even when we have no clue what God is doing.  By the way, that is scary.  We loose control.  Maybe that is what faith is...loosing control so God can take control.
 
Case in point is the disciples.  Jesus called them (our series Chase the Lion will take a hard look at these principles this weekend) to leave what was comfortable.  That was their homes, their business and their comfort.  What did Jesus call them to?  He called them to sacrifice which is often painful and uncertain.  Would you have gone if Jesus called you?
 
Matthew 4:19 (nlt) --- Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!"
Jesus called them to a new way to live.
 
Matthew 16:24 (nlt) --- Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.
 
Jesus called them to a new focus.
 
John 10:27 (nlt) --- My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
 
Jesus called them (and us) to follow no matter what.
 
I am uncertain of things at night.  That is why we have these cute little blue night light things in our house.  It helps you see when it is dark.  Faith is not darkness.  Faith helps you see in the darkness.  Faith takes you places you would not go on your own, gives you success you would not have apart from it and faith plants purpose in your life that cannot come from anywhere else but God.
 
We have to choose: faith or complacency.  We have to choose: adventure or monotony.  We have to choose: self or Savior.  By the way, faith will crush the darkest things around you...of you let it.
 
John 8:12 (nlt) --- Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

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