I was having one of those moments. Y'all know the kind. It was one of those “my bath tub is overflowing but I feel drained,” moments. I needed a mommy time out. Maybe even a trip to the potty ALONE. But instead, I decided to disappear into the bedroom. Steal a moment or two for myself. So I picked up an article written by Steven Furtick (author of Sun Stand Still).
It moved me.
God moved me as I read it.
Simple points packed with a whole lotta punch. Such a punch, that I wanted to share some of my knee jerk reactions with you.
“Our God isn’t intimidated by long-shot prayers.”
“Audacious faith is for school teachers, stay-at-home moms, bankers, construction workers, hairstylists, college students.”
The article discusses the audacious faith of Joshua. Joshua 10 showcases Joshua’s march against the Amorites on an all-night march. God speaks "Don’t be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand,” (v.8). The Israelites unleashed a surprise attack, and right from the beginning, the battle went well. When the enemy lines broke and the Amorites started to flee into the valley, Joshua’s men chased them down. And God got personally involved.
Then as the sun sank toward the horizon, Joshua faced a decision. The victory wasn’t complete, and once it got dark, the rest of the Amorites would slip away. This is where Joshua’s audacious faith came into play. Joshua asked God for the sun to stand still, “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon (v.12).
Did you notice? Joshua had the audacity to ask God to make the sun stop in the sky! And you know what? That is exactly what God did.
Webster’s Dictionary defines audacious as, “daring: bold, or fearless, especially in challenging assumptions or conventions.” Could it be that God intends for us to have the same “Sun Stand Still” faith like Joshua---the kind of faith that dares to believe God for the impossible—as a normal way of life?
I too believe God desires to make the sun stand still in the life of every believer. Let’s activate our audaciousness today! Let’s sling out a long shot prayer and trust God with the impossible. This is probably the most intimidating way to live, but I’m up for the challenge
…how about you?
I want to live that way too! Complete faith, trusting God for the impossible. Believing that the same God who made the sun stand still is gonna work in my life. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think that most of the time my prayers are not bold enough. Yet if God can do bold and incredible things, I should as that way. True.
ReplyDeleteI say yes just like the sun stood still same things happen when time stood still and when it rained all because a few men who loved the Lord so much was willing to please God. It's in those little moments that makes it all worth wild. I know when I find myself feeling I am coming undone, I have to remove myself from my environment and take a deep breath this helps me to release my stress. Once that is done then I can re-enter my environment. Don't you just love how God allows us to get away and look at the simple things of life in order for us to get the better picture?
ReplyDeleteGreat post Kelli, and wonderful points. I've been doing an OT Study lately, and just finished reading Joshua this past weekend so this battle was fresh in my mind reading your article. Such a powerful moment of faith, and the closeness and audacity to ask such a thing of God. And yet, as you noted what seems like something huge to us doesn't phase Him... Thankfully!
ReplyDeleteHave a Blessed Day!
It is a faith issue... I am glad that He continues to grow and nurture that faith within us. We do need to be bold in our prayers and trust Him to give us what is best for us. I think we shrink back some because of that... He might not answer how we'd like, so that possibility strips away our boldness. Regardless, we should sling out our long shot prayers and wait in expectation for Him to answer!
ReplyDeleteI guess there are advantages to feeling discontent in my faith. I am always seeking more, wanting to be more, and demanding more of myself and God. I have the audacity to ask him for the impossible. I don't always get it but when small miracles appear you can bet I notice them. As Martina McBride says, "I'm little but I'm loud!"
ReplyDeleteEverytime I think I'm asking for too much, I read a post that says I'm not. Thanks for the encouragement. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring post, Kelli. I, for one, have the "audacity" to aim for the stars when it comes to requesting things of God. I've seen the results of prayer and I've witnessed His mighty hand! Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteVery encouraging post...
ReplyDeleteI am slinging...and trusting,too!
Heard so much about this book...need to make it a summer read! Looks like it is very challenging!
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