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11-04-09 (Measure of Faith)
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Stephanie McIver
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Nov 04, 2009 09:49 PST
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Steph’s Stuff
11-04-09
(Measure of Faith)
My friend Kathy is involved in a bible study weight loss group at her
church. One of the things they do every week is memorize a scripture
verse and meditate on it. She called me yesterday and asked me what I
thought of this week’s verse:
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of
yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with
sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given
you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV)
The words that stood out to me as I contemplated were ‘measure of
faith’. We are to think of ourselves with the MEASURE of faith that God
has given us. I didn’t like where this was going in my mind—He says not
to think of myself more HIGHLY than I ought—and I usually see myself as
having rather low self esteem—but when I really examine my motives and
(unfortunately) my ACTIONS on a daily basis, I have to admit—it’s all
about ME, baby. And He says, “I have higher goals for your life. You
worry too much about the basic needs that I have met more than
abundantly—yet you still continue to waste your thoughts and efforts on
those, when I am right here, saying to you—build your confidence on the
faith that pulls you through every tough time. Take a good, hard look
at the faith I have given you—and know that as you embrace and FOCUS on
that faith, I will give you even more.”
I see a measuring cup. I like the glass ones that have the measurements
clearly marked, embossed on the side. It is easy to see how much is in
them. You can easily adjust those measurements to fit the recipe you’re
following, making sure that you have the exact amount of whatever
ingredient is called for. Too much or too little of a key ingredient
and the recipe will fail. Faith is an ingredient that comes in
increments, based on what your commitment level is. And it is also an
ingredient that you throw in desperately, at the last minute, when all
else fails. “Oh yeah! GOD can help me! HELP!!” And He comes through
with that saving grace that makes Him the Famous One.
I think the measure of faith is increased when we realize that we have
been thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought. I look at
opportunities that were right in front of me—and I failed to follow
through. I ask for His measure of faith to help me see when I can
correct those failures. How I can do better the next time that
opportunity presents itself?
Look at Abraham. God made promises to him that were NUTS! I’m taking
you two senior citizens and I’m gonna give you a BABY! You will be the
father of ninety gazillion tribes—big time here!” And Abraham’s faith
was good—he trusted that God could and would fulfill that promise—but at
the point, his faith thought he needed to help—and along came Ishmael.
He thought God could do PART of it—take HIS dead body and provide the
seed—but Sarah’s dead womb? Let me help you out, Lord. And God said,
“I’m talking the full meal deal here—you AND Sarah. That’s the plan.”
“Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as
good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's
womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the
promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Romans 4:19-21 (NIV)
Abraham realized that God was increasing the measure of his faith—and
that faith was credited to him as righteousness. Isaac was the son of
his heart—a heart so full of faith that he was able to trust God enough
to be ready to sacrifice him. That was a HUGE measuring cup.
“But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house,
if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” Hebrews
3:6 (NIV)
We are HIS HOUSE! What does it mean to hold on to our courage and the
hope of which we boast? It is our measure of faith. May your measuring
cup overflow.
Fondly,
Stephanie
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