The Balance of Faith and Action

How often have we found ourselves wrestling with the balance of faith and action in our daily lives? It’s a bit like juggling grace in one hand and effort in the other. Faith is about believing in what we hope for without seeing it yet. This hope fuels our actions, trusting that God, by His grace, will bring everything to fruition. We’ve talked before about how discipleship starts by drawing near to God and from a place of rest, but there’s another layer where we play an active role.

Faith isn’t passive. It’s alive and calls for our response. The question often is, how much do we believe God for, and how much should we be doing ourselves? It’s not about replacing His work but partnering with Him through what we believe and act upon.

Facing Challenges with Faith

Here’s the thing: When life’s challenges hit, we might need a little divine nudge on the shoulder—some friendly encouragement from the Holy Spirit. There’s a reason Hebrews calls us to look at the great cloud of witnesses—the heroes of faith who acted even when the path ahead was uncertain. Drawing near and living a life of faith means letting go of our burdens and taking our steps forward. It’s a journey of laying aside every weight that holds us back.

For instance, letting go of our anxiety about the future demands faith in God’s provision. Trust me, it’s a choice we face daily. Think of it like this: if we waited for everything to make perfect sense before letting go, we’d hardly move. Faith requires stepping out and trusting God with our present and our future.

Running Our Race with Endurance

Do you ever feel like you’re running a marathon with a backpack full of bricks? That’s what life feels like when we carry unnecessary weight. Sin can easily ensnare us if we are not careful. We must learn to lay aside not just obvious sins but also those subtle distractions and burdens. God calls us to run our race with endurance, and it’s tough to run if we’re weighed down by unresolved issues, fears, or unnecessary concerns.

Sometimes, our burden comes from the need to prove ourselves—to be seen as good enough, smart enough, or successful enough. But here’s the truth: we don’t need to carry the weight of proving ourselves to the world. God’s grace is sufficient, and His approval is more than enough. So, what’s holding you back today? Let’s free ourselves from those burdens and focus on running with endurance and purpose, keeping our eyes on Christ.

The Joy Ahead

Looking at Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we find our example. He endured hardships for the joy that was set before Him. In the same way, setting joy before us—whether it’s the hope of a restored family, a healed relationship, or growing in Christ—gives us the strength to keep moving forward. We run toward these God-given visions of what could be, allowing them to inspire and sustain us.

Remember, friends, this journey isn’t always about speed but perseverance. We’re in this race together, supporting one another to focus on Jesus, rely on His strength, and place our hope in His promises. So, let’s cast aside the weights, lean into faith, and run with the confidence that He who calls us is faithful to complete His good work in us. And let’s do it all with joy, because the journey, while challenging, leads to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Here’s to running our race with faith, hope, and love. Amen.