An Up-Close Faith

"They were that close to the action; and had a meager faith." - Allister Begg.

I had an early start at work this morning, and happened to catch part of Allister's sermon being broadcast. He was talking about the disciples being on the boat in the storm when Jesus walks on the water. And yet, just prior, He had fed the 5000. Is it that hard to believe that one miracle was "possible" but walking on water was somehow now, not possible?

This seemingly has transitioned into a part 3, on the concept of hiding in ministry.

You're "in the group" and "in the know" and so assumptions are made about one's faith and prayer life and every other aspect of their life and that things are going well, or they are standing incredibly strong when things are not... going well.

We assume a "closeness to the action" of God equates to a strong and great faith.

And yet Allister points out, that isn't always the case; as evidenced by the disciples.

Perhaps, as much as this could be true for those in ministry, certainly it's true, if not even more, of the youth of church leaders. They witness the faith and ministry conducted by their parents, and yet can disengage to a level of meager faith and even, God forbid, a missing and abandoned faith.

And may that be our prayer. By all means, pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that pastors would have great faith as they lead the church and its' people. Likewise, though, pray for their children, who are watching and learning from the front row (both literally and figuratively). May they come to a place in their generation, where they experience their own revelation of God and come to a genuine and passionate faith of their own, placed in Jesus Christ. May they not rely on the coattails of parents and grandparents and other pastors and teachers. Pray God would do a great work in their lives; for the purpose and plans that He has ordained specifically to their lives. Pray they would not live in the shadows of ministry, but step into their own, as Christ is displayed in their lives. May the temptation to hide in ministry, whether it is the pastor or the pastors family doing so, be cast aside.

That we would step into the fullness
Of what God has called us forth to complete
For the glory of God

- PNC