Faith Like a Fire

- A few years ago, I listened to one of my favorite podcasts* in which one of the hosts Danny Valdez responded to a question by asking: “But, What if you Could?” That one simple line and response has altered my life ever since. I even have a piece of paper taped to the underside of my computer monitor so that each day I remind myself that not only “could I” do things I may doubt, but it is also a great reminder from the Lord that nothing is impossible for Him.

When the Lord leads us with His guiding hand into new or challenging things we should not think “oh, I can’t do that” or “I’m not the kind of person who can do _________” because, what if you could? I do not say this lightly, as it is a daily struggle of mine...and I think it is something that we are meant to surrender to the Lord regularly. “Lord, I can’t. But, with YOU in me, I can. Let’s go!”

In one of my recent podcasts “Faith to go Fishing” I discuss the story in Mark 4 when Jesus reminds His disciples of their faith, and that they should use it...not doubt it. He does this by making a point that if He said they would do something, (like cross to the other side of the water) they would do it without fail, and despite the circumstances that may seem to get in their way; simply because He said they would.

Is there a circumstance in your life that feels TOO big? Perhaps something that you know the Lord has called you to do but you’ve hesitated in responding to His call because “you just can’t?” It is important to remember that the Lord created you and in doing so He added all of the elements required to accomplish all of the tasks he has, and will, call you into.

Let’s pretend for a moment that you are camping outdoors in rough terrain. It is beginning to get cool outside and you need to make a fire to keep warm and also so that you can eat a warm meal and be sustained. The elements needed to create this fire are Oxygen, heat, fuel, and a chemical reaction. Together these four elements are exactly what is necessary to make, and keep, a fire. If you take away any one of these things you cannot make fire, or the fire will be extinguished. The heat produced from the fire will keep you warm and will allow you to cook your meal. And, the heat created emits the light that gives you confidence that you, indeed, have all you need.

In the same way, the Lord created you. In creating you, He knew your future already. The Lord knew the things that He would ask of you so He added every element required to make the perfect “you” in His eyes. The Lord did not leave any “extra” elements on the table or “forget” to add something you were going to need. In this way, you have everything you need to not be “extinguished” ...you have the life He intended for you from the beginning. God added this, that, and other things to make the person you see when you look in the mirror. You are beautiful, wonderful, and when you look into that mirror and see your reflection, you can be sure that it is enough because it reflects our Lord and Savior as well for we are made in His image. The Lord knew the exact elements needed to make, and keep, you. So, if He calls you (or me) to do something, be something for others, or give of ourselves for someone else...He isn’t asking too much because He already knows it is in you. You have exactly what is necessary.

Our faith is like the fire’s chemical reaction, it takes non-living things (who we were before we became alive with Christ dwelling in us) and produces flame. Our faith emits the light needed to do exactly what He made us for, and specifically what He has, and will, ask.

So, when you feel discouraged and think that you “can’t” do something, shake off those lies and join me in saying “but, what if I could?” Our confidence is never in our own abilities...if it were, we would be a mess...we would be a flameless pile of sticks and matches. Our confidence in the impossible things of this world is in the Lord for it is His breath of life that gives the Oxygen to start our fire.