Faith. Part 8
The Second type may be called PRACTICAL FAITH.
Is your prayer life a monologue, when it should be a dialogue? When you say Amen, do you just get on with the day’s work? Have you ever stopped and “waited on the Lord”?
“Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
What does it mean to “wait”? Remember the last time you sat in a Waiting Room. Why were you there? Was it not with the expectation of seeing someone? Waiting on God means you are expecting Him to speak to you.
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt.7:7)
It takes time and patience to hear God speak. But it is vitally necessary. Our Lord’s daily walk was never meant to be unique, but as an example to us all.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19)
“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5:30)
It is doubtful whether any of us can emulate that example in its fullness. But we have been shown the way, and if we mean business with the Lord we shall take time to put it into practice.
Remember how Brother Lawrence found this delightful communion with his Lord, and how he was known for his cheerful countenance and forgiving ways.
How lovely are the faces of the men who talk with God
Lit with an inner sureness of the path their feet have trod;
How gentle is the manner of a man who walks with Him!
No strength can overcome him, and no cloud his courage dim.
Keen are the hands and feet—ah, yes—of those who wait His will,
And clear as crystal mirrors are the hearts His love can fill.
Some lives are drear from doubt and fear while others merely plod;
But lovely faces mark the men who walk and talk with God.
Marked for His Own. By Pauline Prosser-Thompson.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
I serve a risen Saviour, hymn by Alfred H. Ackley, 1887 – 1960
More about PRACTICAL FAITH in the next post.