July 10, 2026
A Faith that Works When God Doesn’t
Spiritual growth is a choice. I spent years not reading the Bible every day, not delving in and studying things I didn’t understand. Now, I intentionally choose to read the Word, do Bible Studies and stay as close to God as I can. He rewards me in mighty ways.
It can feel overwhelming to grade our own report card! My faith sometimes looks ridiculous by earthly judgment standards. No money to speak of, debts everywhere. Roof. Car repairs. Taxes. IRS. More money out than in by far. But God. He has made so many promises to me. Sometimes I am not certain whether I am a needer or a provider. I do know God gave my husband and me generous spirits and we have given even when we needed what we gave. Still, it is the heart gifts, the encouragement and exhorting that can help people get through the rough times.
I am often reminded God still has hope for the lost, the homeless, the addicts and the rebellious. He loves them and still has hope for their redemption. Each person has a story. Each has a spark that longs to connect with the Father. It’s best to pray for them, to listen for their story, to understand where they lost their way.
When we stay in the Word we are more likely to willingly love our neighbor as we love ourselves. It isn’t difficult. When we listen to the world, a world intent on division and separation, we can fall victim to every kind of prejudice. Every person has a story, a past, a reason to be where they are in life. Keep your heart pure, love others and let God be God. He is in control.
This is an ongoing lesson for me: God asks that we look deeper when we find ourselves being judgmental. Every person has a journey, a reason they walk the earth. We are not meant to judge swiftly from external cues. Look for the history. Feel the Father’s love for that person. Do not count them out if God still waits for their surrender.
Getting involved with people from different cultures and backgrounds gives us the opportunity to see them as friends and allies. Shunning anyone is wrong. But shunning a Christian from another culture exposes ignorance and intolerance.
Unexpected grace. Such a gift. Maybe we stand in a long line to pay a bill or fee that seems too high. When we finally reach the clerk, we make a harsh remark and receive a smile and a gentle hello. Unexpected grace! Pay it forward. Love people with all your heart and soul.
Ask God to make you sensitive to the needs of others so you see the pain or depression they are feeling. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the perfect words to say. We cannot even guess how powerful words spoken through God Himself can touch and change the way someone else responds to Him.
We are taught faith without works is dead. We know our salvation and God’s love are gifts freely given. We cannot earn Gods love. We can accept it and freely love our dear Father right back.
Dear God, I am sorry I take so long to learn. Almost every lesson fills me with joy and conviction. I make promises to You that I fail to keep. Please forgive me when I backslide into judgment or rebellion. Help me remember what Ive learned and respond more quickly and more consistently to Your will. Every encounter with an unsaved or hurting individual is an opportunity to increase the Kingdom of God. Please Father, show me any help I have been in furthering Your harvest.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11