Kickstart to Confident LivingPrøve

DARE TO HAVE RIDICULOUS FAITH Pastor Mike Todd always says, "it's only crazy until it happens." You know it's crazy for a man born blind to finally be able to see. It is considered crazy for a virgin to become pregnant, but it happened to Mary. It is ridiculous for a person paralyzed for thirty-eight years to stand up and walk. It is also crazy for someone labeled as a retard and who had a speech impediment to become the world's highest-paid speaker! Now, if these are all considered crazy and impossible, but it happened for Bartimaeus, the paraplegic, Mary, and Les Brown, why could it not happen for you? The only commonality amongst those listed above, as well as the lady with the issue of blood, was that they dared to have ridiculous faith. When examining the word ridiculous, there are many meanings. To be extremely implausible…highly imaginative…farfetched… Not easy to believe… and absurd are all definitions of ridiculous. Then to put it next to the word faith which means complete confidence and strong belief, and that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, seems unfitting. Using these words together is almost an oxymoron, but it also seems so compatible. When I think about faith, the meaning of the word faith, it takes serious devotion to believe in something that is not seen. To believe in something higher than yourself that cannot be seen with the natural eye is an example of ridiculous faith. The woman with the issue of blood knew that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus' garment, she would be healed. Scripture shows us that her faith made her well. God is calling for you to dare to have ridiculous faith. If you can believe in the Creator, you should equally believe in the work He can perform specifically on your behalf. REFLECTION: Ask yourself, when did you stop believing? Be H.O.T. (honest, open, and transparent). Maybe it was during a valley moment when everything looked like it was going wrong, like losing a job, a loved one, or maybe a miscarriage. Now, reflect on the miracle moment. Everybody has one. How did it feel to see the answered prayer become a reality? PRAYER: Father, you've done it before, and you will do it again. Forgive me if I've ever shown a lack of faith. Sometimes my flesh becomes weak, and I am unable to remember the blessings in the valley moments, but God, I am grateful that You become my strength when I admit my weak moments. Do You God... and do it grand! Amen.