Moses, a shepherd, stood before Pharaoh and ordered the powerful ruler to release the people of Israel from slavery. The confrontation must have seemed a ridiculous spectacle, even to the slaves Moses had been sent to rescue. But after 10 plagues and many dealings with the Egyptian leader, Moses brought the country to its knees with a shepherd’s staff and his faith in God.
Choosing to walk by faith instead of living on the basis of feelings, opinions, and logic often means being misunderstood. Our actions may appear unreasonable to the outside world (and sometimes even to ourselves), but what could be more reasonable than allowing our omnipotent God to guide us? When we, like Moses, find our talents and abilities are no match for the task at hand, God’s power will accomplish through us what needs to be done. (See 2 Cor. 12:9.) The Lord isn’t always “reasonable” as we interpret reason, but He works out our circumstances through our obedient actions. We can be confident that He who used a shepherd to challenge a pharaoh is trustworthy.
Living by faith requires releasing our human sense of what is best and reasonable in order to rely wholly on God—it involves obeying when the Lord tells us that we are to speak or act. God wants us to trust that He has a plan for our life and is constantly directing circumstances and maneuvering people to ensure that His purpose is achieved.
Whatever the challenge, you can be successful by choosing to depend entirely upon the Father. He will stand you up before your own personal Egypt and make you victorious.
As believers, we’ll all falter occasionally in our faith. When that happens, how can we keep doubts to a minimum? The key is to remain focused on the Father so that we can move forward in His will for our life.
Consider the Old Testament hero Joseph, who trusted in God during all the harrowing events of his early years. Faith sustained him through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Resting on his confidence in the heavenly Father, Joseph didn’t allow his circumstances, environment, or the opinions of others to divert him from acting according to the Lord’s will. Joseph believed that every situation of his life was by God’s design.
Most people react to trials by complaining that the situation is unfair and undeserved. They are so focused on the misfortune of their circumstances that they miss opportunities to serve God.
Joseph chose a different approach. This young man who’d been sold into slavery by his brothers decided to do his work with excellence. His duties in Potiphar’s house were probably menial, but he performed them as if working for God. This kind of commitment earned Joseph the attention and respect of his master, and the Hebrew slave was rewarded with greater responsibility. Genesis 39:23 says, “And whatever he did, the Lord made to prosper.”
As Joseph moved through one hardship after another, he stayed focused on the Lord, who had promised to raise him to a position of leadership (Gen. 37:10). He had a practical approach to the downward turn in his fortunes: He kept thinking about God and serving Him instead of dwelling on his trials.
The most precious thing we can pass down to our children is our faith—the confident conviction that God is who He says He is and will do all He has promised. Timothy’s strong relationship with Christ didn’t materialize out of thin air; it grew because his mother and grandmother were godly examples.
Here are ways we, too, can hand down a rich legacy to the next generation:
Teach practical biblical principles. Kids need to know God’s views on matters such as material wealth (Ps. 24:1), the way to meet needs (Phil. 4:19), and direction in life (Prov. 3:5-6).
Model character through lifestyle. How we live—whether with transparency, peace, and perseverance, or with fear, anxiety, and self-reliance—loudly communicates what we believe about our heavenly Father.
Serve God by serving others. Actions show our faith is real (James 2:26). If we want children not to develop a self-centered perspective, servanthood is key.
Intercede for them. Kids won’t forget hearing us pray regularly for them.
Communicate love to them. Young people need to know we love them the way that God loves us—unconditionally rather than based on what they do or don’t do. Spoken words of love breathe life into their heart. And as we affirm them for trusting God, they see that we value their spiritual growth.
As parents, we must be intentional about leading and inspiring our sons and daughters to follow Jesus Christ. But even people without children of their own can leave a legacy. The example to follow is Paul: Though neither married nor a natural parent, he was a spiritual father to many. (See 1 Cor. 4:14-16.)
Dexter, Missouri - About 100 people gathered outside at Dexter City Administration Building for the National Day of Prayer event on Thursday, May 5, 2016.
Ken Biggs of First General Baptist Church called the group to order. The audience said the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
David Fowler of Sadlers Chapel United Methodist Church played the guitar and led everyone with the singing of "America the Beautiful."
Prayer of Confession and Repentance was said by Mike Williams of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) .
Father David Donhogne of Sacred Heart Church said a prayer for Federal Officials.
Mike Kohlbaker of First Assembly of God led the prayer for State Officials.
Steven Tippen said a prayer for Local Officials.
Jeff Roth of Risen Church prayed for our Education System, which has especially hard this week with the loss of a middle school student.
Doug West from the First Church of Nazarene prayed for those who serve us and protect us, the Military Men and Women of the United States.
Justin Sponaugle from Faith Lutheran Church prayed for the Police Department and Fire Department and Lonnie Mittag from Friendship Baptist Church prayed for the Judicial System and Legislators.
David Fowler closed the National Day of Prayer with the singing of "Shout to the Lord".
When I talk about Christians serving the church with their God-given talents and gifts, people oftentimes think too small, perhaps picturing the choir singer or the Sunday school teacher. But if they themselves aren’t naturally adept at singing or teaching, they give up.
It’s time that we stop thinking in terms of a “Sunday only” establishment. The church is not simply a place or a time; it is a body of believers, each one uniquely gifted by God to guide, help, challenge, and support the rest. In fact, most service to the Lord doesn’t take place inside the church building. It happens out in the world, where we do all the things that Scripture commands.
The majority of believers aren’t in a position to influence a lot of people. When we act or speak, only those closest to us notice, but a chain reaction ripples outward to affect an entire community. Paul’s metaphor of body parts working together harmoniously is a helpful description of how one small action can have a widespread impact. Consider the way tensing your toes will keep your foot stable and thereby steady your whole body. In the same way, a gentle rebuke, a listening ear, or a loving deed benefits the church by strengthening one brother or sister, who then supports another.
We are on this earth to serve the kingdom of God and His church. And we do that by ministering to each other in small ways that steady the whole body as we give extra support to one member. In talking about such service, I challenge you to find a need that God can meet through you.
