March around Jericho seven days in a row? What kind of military strategy is that? Can you imagine the campfire conversations at night? But Joshua believed God! And the walls came tumbling down! (Joshua 6:20)

                When Abraham heard God’s promise that he would become the father of many nations, “In hope against hope he believed...he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21, NIV)

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

                Faith trusts God to do what he has promised to do. Faith stands firm on the Word of God, on the promises of God. Faith believes enough to step out of one’s comfort zone or familiar territory to attempt great things for God.

                One of the core values of our district is that:

Without faith,

it is impossible to please God.

Our planning and practice

take God-pleasing risks.

                Some would say that if God is with us, there is nothing truly risky about following him. While that is true spiritually, in everyday life we wrestle with taking the faith steps to do all that God is calling for us to do. Jesus said that when we are taking on something like a building project, we are to count the costs. But he never says that the costs should be the deciding factor. What does God want us to do? Do we trust him enough to believe he can lead us to victory?

                The absolute majority of Israelites at Kadesh    Barnea were unwilling to take the risk to enter the promised land. Joshua and Caleb knew that the task was humanly impossible, but they believed God would grant them victory. However, the majority won out and did not move forward by faith. Instead, they wandered in the wilderness until all of that generation (20 years or older) passed away. However, their children entered the promised land under the power of God.

                How are you and the leaders of your church evidencing faith in your practice and planning? Which are you more prone to see, the giants in the land or the one who is greater that all giants? As the old gospel song conveyed, “Others saw the giants; Caleb saw the Lord!”

                The Israelite soldiers saw a huge enemy named Goliath. Goliath saw a pipsqueak of a youth named David. David saw the mighty God!

                In your upcoming leadership meeting, would you take the next step of talking with your leaders about faith planning? As a district can we still trust God to do things others think are impossible?

“Jesus, please increase our faith!”