Stepping Out on to What You Cannot See…
June 30th, 2008 | Michael Q. Pink
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised;” (Heb 10:23) “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” (Rom 8:24-25)
Many of you today are in a crisis of faith. You stand at the edge of what you can see, gazing into a hope that God has deposited in your heart. Between you and that hope is a chasm of seeming impossibility. There is no known way across that chasm. Your natural eye sees no possible path, but God always has a path prepared for those who trust in Him.
The word for “faith” in Hebrews 10:23 above is the same word translated as “hope” in Romans 8:24-25. If what you need is in plain sight, it doesn’t require faith to obtain it, but if what you see is something that is actually unseen, it requires faith/hope to bring it into the realm of the seen. For most of us, we see the prize afar off, even though it doesn’t exist yet in the natural, but what we don’t see is the path or the step by step plan to attain the prize.
Many times God doesn’t give you the step by step plan because He is going to be doing a lot of things behind the scenes that you will never comprehend and could never execute on your own. So He simply asks you to take a step of faith into the unknown, then another and another until you reach the other side. It requires the ability to trust Him when you can’t see where that step will take you, but you take it anyway. You must believe. Make no mistake. The fear is real. The risks are real. But sometimes it seems that only when we are willing to lose everything do we gain everything. To get a good visual of what this looks like, take a look at this compelling 2-minute video clip and have a faith-filled day!
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June 30th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Dear Michael,
Thank you for sharing this leap of faith with us today. I am truly standing there myself at this moment. I watched this video several times and it confirms three aspects for me.
1. We need to set our focus upon the Father who is the source of our faith and align ourselves with the direction, He gives us to take.
It will not only transform our thoughts and emotions but even our physical posture will align itself with the direction we need to take.
2. The script, “Path of God, only in the leap from the Lion’s head may he prove his worth” reminded me again, that it is only in taking our first step that we confirm ‘we believe’ other wise it is just talk!
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Heb.11:6
3. Knowing God, His ways, His thoughts and His character gives us the strength to lift up our foot and go! He who always provide a path, loves us and will lead us into victory.
For every one that stands at that abyss with me today, I will lift you up in my prayers. God who directs us will provide that bridge for us!
Blessings in Him,
Wilhelmien
June 30th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Good message Michael!
Many times I feel/am waiting for someone else to lead the way for me because the path is uncharted. I’m looking for someone else to go through the hardships and trials so that I can walk behind them in ease. What I’m finding out is that is irresponsible and really, an excuse. While the principles of God’s Word and His laws do not change, how they impact me and my life are different than others. My path is different than others, because my call is different. In general the same call, in specific, different because I am different. Therein lies the rub. No one will do it for me. Not even God will do what I’m supposed to do. All part of growing up and being responsible!!
Blessings,
Dennis
June 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I’M AT THAT POINT IN MY LIFE NOW. I MUST TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH AND BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL BE A BRIDGE FOR ME AS WELL. I HAVE BEEN STAGNANT SO LONG, WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN FOR ME OR FOR SOMEONE TO COME AND TAKE ME TO WHERE I WANT TO GO. I’VE STAYED IN MY COMFORT ZONE, PROCRASTINATING DAY BY DAY AND NOTHING HAS HAPPENED AND I HAVEN’T GONE ANYWHERE FOR YEARS EXCEPT IN MY HEAD. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ILLUSTRATION OF FAITH. STEPPING OUT EVEN WHEN WE CAN’T SEE WHERE WE ARE GOING, AND BELIEVING GOD WILL BE THERE WITH PROVISION FOR EVERY NEED. THAT’S FAITH. THANK YOU.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Fasting and waiting, fasting and waiting. Right now I feel like the other side has been removed, so there is not even another side, just a chasm with no other side. I read Elmer Towne’s book on Fasting and Finances. I just experienced a HUGE disappointment I had no control over. So, now I am contemplating a 40 day fast. Does anyone have any input/eperience in this? I have never done one before. Blessings and thanks again Michael.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:44 am
Dear Kara,
I can see that you are going through an intense time at this moment.
I have done 40 day fasts several times over the years and those are truly fasts I only do when God specifically direct me to do it. It is not in the length thereof but in our heart before Him, offering a sacrifice of self, prayer and praise up to Him.
Know that the fasts you have done stands before the Lord. They were not done in vain. The answer to our fasting and praying comes sometimes, at the beginning of our fast and at other times at a time after our fast.
What I do find though is that we become so stressed and taken into the turmoil of our situation that we find it difficult to hear His voice or to see the solution He provides for us.
This is where the step of faith starts. It is important to come to that place of rest within, knowing that you did bring your situation before Him and that He will answer you; He loves you and will provide the solution. It is in the waiting that we develop patience though it feels as if we cannot bear another minute thereof. (James 1:3)
I will lift you up in prayer, knowing that it is the Lords hearts desire to lead and guide you in the way you should go. (Psalm 32:8) He wants you to succeed and to reveal His glory through you.
I will believe with you for your break through!
Blessings,
Wilhelmien
July 1st, 2008 at 11:24 am
Michael,
I have found several times that if God had told me to go from point A to D, I would have resisted and probably not obeyed. But He usually takes me down a path that positions me to anticipate the next step so that when I get to point C, it is a natural step to point D.
I’ve also found that the “big steps” I’ve taken were just stepping stones to what God really had in store. So what I felt were major steps of faith, God saw as small steps on the journey towards where He wanted me.
I hope this makes sense.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:56 am
Kara,
I saw your comments and had a response in mind, however, I do not have the 40 day fast experience that Wilhelmien has. My thoughts, though, are nearly the same as hers in regard to your fasting and situation. I have done some fasting (working on more).
The fasts you have done have had an impact, on the authority of God’s Word. And as she said, sometimes the impact or materialization of the fast is not seen in the natural realm immediately, but things are changing. Really, more importantly, you are changing, and have changed as a result of your fast.
Some would say that I cannot really say that because I’m not God (how true), however, I believe God would have us believe what He says in His Word and based on that, I can say with confidence you have changed and your situation is changing.
More practically, as W. said, I believe unless God is directing you to the 40-day fast, you will not have grace to do it. Also, fasting as I understand and have practiced is somewhat like working out physically. I would not run a marathon tomorrow because I have trained for one. However, I could probably run a mile or so, if I have been working out regularly. Or could run 100 yards. I think you get the idea. Scripture abounds with examples comparing spiritual training with physical training.
One of the most profound things the Lord did in me over the last few years was regarding my sales situation and my need to improve on my performance or risk losing my job. I had people praying for me, I wavered between faith and unbelief, as well as trying to do some things in my own strength to make it happen. At the end of the time, Proverbs 3:5,6 rested very heavily upon me, especially about not leaning upon my own understanding. Even as I write this it rests upon me.
God IS leading and guiding you, evidenced by your writing in here, and by your searching heart.
Bless you my sister, the process may be painful, but it IS working for you an exceeding weight of glory.
Dennis
July 1st, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Thanks to all of you who responded. Me “thinketh” at this point it is out of frustration I want to fast. I have been doing a 24 hour, once a week one for about a month now. But, I am not sure if wanting to do the 40 day one is of HIM. I did find a good site written by Dr. Bill Bright with a lot of good input if I decide HE has called me to do this. Once again, thanks and blessings to those who responded! In HIM, KLH
July 1st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Wow…
Not only do I personally love the video clip in this post and the sentiments from Michael that accompany it, but the discussion that has ensued is a powerful one.
As for Kara, you’ve gotten some great feedback already from others about fasting. I’d love to add one little piece. I consider fasting something I do — not to “move God” — but to move me. The language of the Old Testament had an idiom which gets translated into English as “afflicting the soul,” but which actually means, “fasting.” I think it’s interesting that they used this turn of phrase to describe fasting.
God is already interested in your situation. The Word says that His eyes move to and fro over the whole earth to search for those whose hearts are His, so that He can show Himself strong on their behalf. I also believe that there is “resistance” in the atmosphere — sometimes it’s in us, but other times it’s external to us — that creates delays and difficulty in the response from heaven. An example of this is in the book of Daniel, when he prayed and the response was sent immediately… but was delayed with spiritual warfare. I’ve often wondered what would’ve happened if Daniel had given up before he saw his response.
All of that being said, I usually fast in order to accomplish 2 things. One is to “quiet” or “settle” my soul — where my mind and my emotions can run away with me and create all sorts of confusion. But the 2nd purpose (for me) is to “tune” my reception, spiritually speaking. Much like the old analog AM/FM radios that had a dial. If you weren’t quite tuned in, you got all sorts of static and the message coming through wasn’t clear. The broadcaster’s process was working just fine… the problem was on the receiving end.
Two final Scriptures for you that have meant a lot to me over the years, but in particular in recent weeks:
Be encouraged. There IS another side. And He’s standing over there cheering you on.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:58 pm
By the way, if anyone is wondering how to have a little picture of you show up next to your comments here and on lots of other websites, you can sign up for a free account with the “Globally Recognized Avatar” service.
Get yours here.
Enjoy!
July 1st, 2008 at 3:00 pm
David,
Love the radio analogy!
To everybody else,
Wow - great insights - thanks for all the wisdom shared today!
July 1st, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Geek,
I KNOW that’s not your real picture…or is it? :-))
Not to overly inundate the fasting issue, but David, your post sparked a couple of thoughts.
First, John Wesley, used to fast 2 days a week. I’ve read recently where Dallas Willard has said that in terms of transforming a society, not since the great awakening/revival that accompanying the Methodist movement has there been a similar type of effect of Christianity on the Western world. He’s one of my spiritual and business heroes. He said (paraphrased), “we cannot too often remind ourselves that there is nothing meritorious about fasting.” This is true of any spiritual discipline and I try to remind myself of this often.
The second point, in trying to explain fasting to my children, is about positioning. I tell my kids that if it’s raining outside, and I’m in the house and want to go out and get wet, I need to change my position. There’s nothing I can do to make it rain; however, I can put myself in a position to get wet. To me, that’s analogous to fasting. As David pointed out, there’s nothing we can do to move God (per se), in terms of manipulating Him. But we can align ourselves to what He’s already up to (Jesus - “my Father is ALWAYS at work;” “the wind blows where ever it will, and so it is of everyone born of the Spirit”).
Blessings,
Dennis
July 1st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
No… thankfully, they let me change my picture to protect the innocent (or guilty, depending upon how you look at it). I mean really… can you imagine the person who gets blamed for the technical issues around here being readily recognizable in public? It could be bad…
So… we found that picture last year and have been using it ever since. It’s quite the gem, isn’t it?
July 1st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I’d have a hard time being hard on that guy for doing anything wrong…gets my sympathy vote!
P.S. thanks for the info on the avatar, I actually was going to ask how to do that, but on second thought, after looking in the mirror, thought better of it.
July 1st, 2008 at 3:26 pm
More pointedly, if I do put my avatar on there, you’ll see the family resemblance (I’m folliclely challenged).
Dennis
July 1st, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Thanks for your input David. I am to a point this is what I seek, HIM to change me, and HE is! HalleluYAH! Blessings!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Okay Mr. Geek friend. I have the Gravatar but it does not show up and even the hubby (who knows more than me) cannot figure it out!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Kara… you’ve done everything correctly. I can see your Gravatar in our “administrative” end.
One thing I’d recommend that you try: make sure your Gravatar is rated “G” in their system. For reasons that I’m sure you can imagine, we’re preventing any Gravatars rated differently than that from showing up here. It may be that you simply didn’t select a rating when you set yours up.
If your is already rated “G”, then let’s give it an hour or 2 and see if doesn’t automatically appear.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Geek,
Thanks for the gravatar again, I’m looking to see if this works.
P.S. I’m not bald, that’s a racing stripe…built for speed!
July 1st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
This came at a wonder time to remind me that He has heard my prayer and through this message has sent his instruction and encouragement.
Thank you. I know of two other people who have taken a step of faith, I will share this with them.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I think HE released me from something I was trying to control. Sometimes I think REAL believers are rather manic! Breakthrough and ya feel like you are off the wall. I truly understand Jeremiah. I guess modern shrinks would call him nuts too! GOD is good…ALL the time!
Blessings!
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Dear Kara,
I am so happy to hear that you have received your breakthrough! Thank you for sharing it with us.
God is a covenant God and He is faithful in bringing us through.
I rejoice with you!
Blessings,
Wilhelmien