Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1

Two weeks ago I wrote about the Faithfulness of God. I want to expound on what God’s been teaching me in this area. I was listening to a sermon the other day and the pastor said, “What is the outcome/result of faith?”. The Answer – “Proof!” Hebrews 11:1 says it is the evidence!

I remember reading Zack Blair’s Facebook page and one of his favorite quotes was “Prove it”. Don’t you hate when someone says that to you after you’ve just made a statement? Often it can catch us off guard, it can catch us bluffing, exaggerating, etc.. The reason that quote is so good is because it forces us to see reality and look at the facts. It exposes the truth.  You can’t argue with reality, truth, facts, or proof. People can argue all day long about what they believe, but they can never argue with proof, evidence, or actual experience. There isn’t a person on the planet that could convince me that God’s Word isn’t true – I’ve experienced it:

• My life being changed after making Jesus my Lord is PROOF that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.
  

• The fact that I was living a purposeless life and now I live everyday of my life with purpose is PROOF that He has an amazing plan for my life.
  

• The fact that when I’ve faced circumstances in my life that should have crippled me emotionally, spiritually, etc. and had a peace throughout the whole thing is PROOF that He’ll keep in perfect peace those whose eyes are fixed on Him.

• The fact that I’ve been in bondage to a number of things and have been set free from all of them is PROOF that God has set me free from every bondage in my life!

I could go on forever, but I think you get the point . . .

I hear people all the time say, “Prove to me that there is a God” “Prove to me that God exists” “Prove to me God heals”etc.. Well, it’s not my job to prove to you that God exists, has a plan for your life, etc.. God’s Word is true whether you believe it or not.  It’s my job to proclaim it to you and it’s up to you if you believe it or not. If you believe it and act on it – you’ll have PROOF (evidence)that God’s Word is true and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Then you’ll no longer need to wonder if God’s word is true, if it will work for you, etc… You’ll have proof.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” -Phil. 2:3

This is something God’s been teaching me over the past year and I’m finally starting to get it!!!

In the past:

• I was consumed with impressing other people and constantly working to gain the acceptance of others

• I said I want to add value to people everyday,  but in reality I wanted to add value to me

• I’d “listen” to people talk about what God is teaching them, but in reality I was loading my head with revelations I’ve gotten to share with them that I thought was more  life changing than what they were talking about

• I was consumed with building the Kingdom of Bubba instead of the Kingdom of God

• I thought I was more important than other people

Now:

• I realize I’m really not that important and that the world isn’t watching nearly as closely as I thought

• I realize that when I’m trying to build my own kingdom, I’m missing out on God’s best for my life when I’m not building His Kingdom

• I realize that if I’m going to add value to people I need to:
  • Think of them as being better than myself
  • Do it intentionally – schedule time for this, have a plan, etc.
  • Care more about making their dreams come true than my own
  • Give them my time
  • Listen – and not try to give them my “superior knowledge and wisdom”, but just listen

Now I know I’m not perfect at this yet, but it’s something I’m intentionally working very hard at – esteeming others more than myself.

Are you more consumed with building your life or the lives of others?

Thoughts?o

1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. 4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him.

Genesis 12:1-4

On Monday, we took our youth group to Seven Springs for our annual ski trip. I’ve been snowboarding for the past few years and each year I’ve been improving. This year – I was challenged to go down the black diamonds. When I saw these slopes, I instantly thought of “The Cliffs of Insanity” from Princess Bride. I was afraid to step out and go down – What if I get hurt? What if I look dumb? What if I don’t make it? As I was approaching the edge of the slope I read signs that said “Experts Only” and “No easy way down” – I wanted to back down. The friends I was with with yelled “Come on Bubs!” I closed my eyes and took a deep breathe and down I went.

(I definitely did not look this cool)

I made it to the bottom and had an absolute blast. It was funny because the whole way down the slope – God was dealing with my heart about this whole concept of stepping out. Here are some things I got during my descent:

• When You Step Out – You’ll Experience Things few People in Life Get to Experience - If I hadn’t been willing to step out I would have never experienced the thrill of going down a black diamond. What experiences are waiting for me if I’ll just believe God and step out?
  

• Stop asking fear questions and start asking Faith Questions -Instead of asking what if I fail, what if I look dumb, etc.. I should be asking What if God is going to take me to a higher level? What if this is part of making all my dreams come true?

• People want to see you step out and experience God’s best for my life – My friends knew I could do it and knew I’d enjoy the experience and they were thrilled to encourage me to step out. Do you have friends in your life that encourage you to step out?
  

• When you step out and look back – you’ll never regret that you stepped out – When I got to the bottom of the slope I was so pumped up that I decided to step out instead of back down. I couldn’t wait to do it again. When you step out in faith – you’ll never be disappointed!

Thoughts?