Sink or Swim?

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (YET)

Hebrews 11:1



Last night, before going to bed, I had some things on my mind. I woke up this morning with those same thoughts and I begin to ask myself, "Why continue to get frustrated because others don't see what I see?'

I begin to realize that every person's Faith walk is different, therefore, we all operate in different levels of faith.

1) Some people are more mature in their faith walk. These are the people who will step out in faith, not knowing what the outcome will be, but will believe God and take Him at His word. They move without a hint of hesistancy in their actions.

2) While others will think, and think and think about stepping out, long before they actually do it. There is some hesistancy there because they are a tad bit afraid of the unknown. They trust God, but the 'not knowing' makes them nervous about taking actions. These are the people who usually seek the approval of others before they actually move.

3) Then there are those who will not operate, at all, in the faith that "they say they have", because they are absolutely terrified of what might happen. These are usually those people who, although they hate their situation, they are comfortable in it because at least they know what's happening. They are paralyzed by fear and not knowing what the outcome will be. So, they will complain and complain, but never do anything to make changes. Their faith walk is stagnant so they will probably sink as soon as they step out. That is why they won't.

Now, for me, I believe in operating in the faith that I know that I have. I may not take every step that I need to take, but for the most part, I will just jump out there in the water and I either have to swim in my faith, or sink in fear. And I have been in some sinking situations before. But each time, I remember my swimming lessons (to call on the Name of Jesus) and each time, I rise above water and begin to swim in faith again.

But this brings me to my point. Because I am a faithFUL person, I've encountered people who do not or have not reached where I am in my journey. I'm not saying that I am better than them. Not at all. The Bible tells me not to think more highly of myself than I ought to think, so I don't.  But I want to make a point about our differences in our faith walk.

The Bible also tells me that each man has been given THE measure of faith (Romans 12:3). In my opinion, that says to me, that we were all initally given the same amount of faith. Now, how we choose to develop it and mature in it, is up to us.

I understand that each of us is in a different place in their faith journey. So, when it comes to what I have faith in, my vision and my dreams, I must realize this: Other people can't see what I see. They don't believe as strongly as I believe. They can't hear what I hear. They don't feel what I feel.

I forget this sometimes and that frustrates me. I know that they look at me some times and wonder how am I so daring. It's because I know, deep in my heart, what God has in store for me. It is a 'gut' feeling that I can't shake and it won't let me go. Not this time. And that's probably because of the promise that I made to God, that I will walk in His purpose for my life. I will do what He has predestined for me to do. 

My Pastor preached a sermon a couple of weeks ago about this same thing. He told us to stop allowing ourselves to become frustrated with folks who are not where we are and who cannot see our vision. Stop trying to force it on them because it is not meant for them to see, YET. Just continue to do what I have been called to do and stay focused on this journey that I must travel. It's funny how that message just came back to my remembrance as I sit here typing this post.

Someone who is an adult (mature) in their faith and in the knowledge of God cannot get frustrated with  someone who is just beginning their faith walk or who has not developed their faith (babe). So, I continue my journey in the comfort of knowing that my vision is just that, my vision for ME to see. I cannot and will not force it on anyone. God already has this thing worked out and in time, the right people will manifest, those who are suppose to 'see' what I 'see'. So I choose to swim.

Have you ever felt this frustration, when it comes to others seeing and believing in your vision?

I want to encourage you to swim. Don't let the fact that others don't know what you know, see what you see, hear what you hear, or feel what you fee, deter you from doing what is deep in your heart. Take the leap of faith and jump out there in that water and swim. Believe that you can and you will. Believe that you can't and you won't. Sink or swim? The choice is yours.

Where are you in your faith walk? Will you sink or swim?

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