When we find it difficult to see God at work in our lives, when
hard circumstances raise doubts about God’s love, care, or forgiveness, how do
we remain faithful? Last week in my blog post “Is
THIS Your Plan, Lord?” I shared three helpful ways to “keep the faith”. One
of those ways comes directly from Psalm 63:1-2 which says we go to church and
look for Him.
“O God, you are my God.
At dawn I search for you. My soul thirsts for you. My body longs for you in a
dry, parched land where there is no water. So I look for you in the holy place
to see your power and your glory.”
One of the ways we find God in church is through the faith
stories of others. We depend on those stories and go to church hoping to hear
of and see God’s power and glory. When our own faith is shaky, doesn’t it help
to hear of the strong faith of others in the face of difficulties?
With this benefit in mind, are we proclaiming what God is
doing in our lives in order to
encourage others? When the pastor asks if anyone would like to share with the
congregation how he/she has seen God at work, do lots of people raise their
hands to offer a simple word of praise? Or can you hear a pin drop at that
point?
How will others find encouragement if we don’t vocalize our
praise, appreciation, and amazement at what God is doing? It is more than just
an opportunity—it’s an obligation. As Romans 10:14 puts it, “But how can they call on him to save them unless
they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard
about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”
Building up the faith of others isn’t limited to worship
services. Do we tell our friends, family, and co-workers about how God has
brought us through? Do we share how God is working in our lives with our fellow
participants in Bible studies and fellowship groups?
When we pass along our faith stories, we obey Jesus’ command
in Mark 16:15: “So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News.”
Let’s take Jesus’ words seriously and make it our aim this
week to encourage faith and give God glory by telling others of the things God
is doing in our lives. Church seems like a safe and welcoming place to start!
Blessings!
Pam©2016 Pamela D. Williams
