But you see, my faith is a `lifestyle faith'. I talk to God when I get in the car. I thank Him for being at work with me. I put my music on and sing his praises as I do my housework.
There were some people in the Bible that you would call perfect believers either: like Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Rahab and David - liars, drunkards, laughers, deceivers, big headed and adulterers. These people simply believed that God existed and they trusted Him most of the time, rather than themselves.
No don't get my wrong, I am not advocating any lieing, drunkardness, pride and adultery, nor am I saying that trusting God is easy, especially in times of trial. I've said it before, `trusting God doesn't necessarily make life rosy, beautiful, neat, lovely, financially secure and comfortable'. But perfect trust changes us and it pleases God. It doesn't always take away the worry, but it does help you to relax a little and to say, `Lord, this is your battle'.
One of the best testimonies I have ever given was at the end of a really bad week. It wasn't exactly what my pastor had expected, and he kept giving me that look and tapping his watch. Yet, afterward, a young mother came up to me. She had an autistic boy and a young daughter. Her husband was away at the mines. She simply said, `Thankyou, I didn't know I was allowed to feel that way, but now I know I don't have to be angry at God as well.'
How had I been feeling? Depressed and angry at the world, but why wasn't I angry with the Lord. Because after 39 years as his daughter, I had learnt that a relationship with God was built on a lifestyle faith, based on His sovereignty.
This is my LIFESTYLE FAITH:
* HIS PRESENCE IS ALWAYS BE WITH ME.
"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me."
Psalm 16:8
* HE GIVES ME THE ABILITIES TO DO WHAT HE WANTS ME TO DO.
"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 1 Peter 5:10
* HE GIVES ME GUIDANCE AND SHEPHERDS ME THROUGH LIFE.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all I need. He lets me rest in green meadows. He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths."
Psalm 23:1-3
* HE HELPS ME GROW AND GET PAST MY `ISSUES'.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."
James 1:2&3
*HE GIVES ME COUNSEL WHEN I NEED WISDOM.
"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you." James 1:5
* HE LEADS ME THROUGHOUT MY LIFE - ONE DAY AT A TIME.
"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk for I give myself to you." Psalm 143:8
* HE HELPS ME BE MORE LOVING, HOPEFUL, CONFIDENT AND COURAGEOUS.
"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you. Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised." Hebrews 10:35&36
* HE PROVIDES FOR MY NEEDS AND HELPS ME NOT TO BE SO ANXIOUS AND WORRIED.
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
* HE COMFORTS ME IN PAIN AND LOSS.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
Psalm 34:18
I will probably never be asked to speak at the `Hillsong Women's Convention', and I have to tell you my Pastor never asked me to speak again. Still, I know that my sovereign God is worthy of my perfect trust, and he is worthy of yours too!!
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