Deep Water Faith in the Shallow End

Do you ever notice that when you’re in the auditorium, listening to a sermon, a lesson, or participating in a moving worship service, that everything just seems to be real clear? You know what you have to do, what you should do. It seems to be easier to distinguish what is right and what is wrong. You know who you need to talk to about Jesus and the saving power that he offers, because the whole discussion is playing over in your head.

The problem is that the walk from our seats to our car is a long walk to make. Its easy to get pumped about sharing our faith with others while we’re amongst brothers and sisters who already know the Lord. That problem occurs when you’re out on your own.

Something happens between the altar and the door. You’re altar may be the church building, or the people who make up the church. It may be the close friend you sit next to on Sundays, or the families you look forward to seeing because they lift you up. Something happens, because now you’re on your own, relying on your own faith, your own walk with the Lord, to lead you and guide you.

You may start to question whether or not you can share with other people the good news of our Lord. Its so easy to have a deep faith when we’re surrounded by others who share that with us. However, please don’t forget, when you walk through those doors, Jesus is with you.

Jesus is going to walk through those doors with you. He's with you! He's ready to help you, no matter what the situation. You need to realize the commitment He has to you! Jesus walks with you every step of the way.

Sure its easier to have that deep faith on Sundays when everyone else is experiencing the same thing, but true deep faith occurs the rest of the week, when you’re out there away from the comfort of the elders and the ministers, the teachers and your friends.

There are so many areas of my life where I know I'm holding back because of fear, but I do see some freedom growing in those areas. What I find comforting is that Jesus hasn't started the journey across the bridge without me. Our shallow faith and religion tells us that Jesus keeps moving and if we don't move we'll be left behind. How can that be true when he said he would never leave us or forsake us? No. Instead, he's standing right there ahead of me encouraging me to go forward with him and, when I do, he'll be right there helping me to navigate the difficult journey.