So I quit my job on Monday.
Well, I gave notice.
Briefly, the thought crossed my mind that I quit before my house was rented.
It is in moments like that where faith becomes a decision. It wasn’t hard at this point, but I continually (daily, and multiple times throughout the day) rely on God and step into what I am experiencing to be a TANGIBLE faith.
I really began to examine this concept in my heart of the “violence” of faith. In Matthew 11:12, Jesus says “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been subjected to violence, and the violent people have been raiding it (forcefully advancing).” (NIV).
The Passion translation says it like this: “the realm of heaven’s kingdom is bursting forth, and passionate people have taken a hold of it’s power.”
Through my study, and the various commentaries I’ve read, it is clear that there is no hostile purpose in those words, but the translation uses the word ‘violence’ because of the connotation of passion and strength implied therein.
It is an action, you cannot be passive and have faith. God is always moving, and there’s always someone He wants to encounter. Sometimes that violence is overcoming YOURSELF in the process. In my own process this has been the case.
Are you ready to face persecution for his Name? For standing for the truth?
2 Timothy 4:1-5 ” Timothy, in the presence of our Great God and our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who is destined to judge both the living and the dead by revelation of His Kingdom – I solemnly instruct you to proclaim the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. (Correct, rebuke, and encourage). Preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit – with wisdom and patience as you instruct and teach people.
For the time is coming when they will no longer listen and respond to healing words of truth because they will become selfish and proud. They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear. They will close their ears to the truth and believe nothing but fables and myths. So be alert to these things and overcome EVERY form of evil. Carry in your heart the passion of your calling as a church planter and evangelist, and fulfill your ministry calling.”
It is interesting to me that in Paul’s instruction to Timothy he says right after “overcome evil” “keep a passion for your calling.” There is DEFINITELY a connection between the two.
Lord, help me to never become to self important or reliant. Help me to keep my ears open to truth no matter what it may cost me. Help me to stay humble, to not allow myself to becoming higher in my own mind but let me walk in an existence of service and humility at all times. Thank you for what you’re doing through my life. Show me areas where I need to submit to you and give me the boldness and courage to take up violent faith and claim the Kingdom at hand.
~xo
(PS: I’m not just leaving in January for the WR, I am leaving in August to do medical missions in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia through October! Which is why I gave notice at work now.)
(PPS: MY HOUSE IS RENTED AS OF TWO DAYS AGO. GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!)
What I’m Reading: 2 Timothy, Matthew 10,11,12 – 28
What I’m Listening To: Bethel Moments: Mighty Sound
What I’m Watching: Bill Johnson, Where is that in the Bible?/My Motives. Revival Weekend March 4 2018 Nathan Morris
