April 27, 2017
Transformational Thought
Two talented tightrope walkers were amazing the crowd with their acrobatics as they crossed the treacherous chasm at Niagara Falls. After many dangerous stunts, one acrobat asked the crowd if they thought he could cross the rope while pushing his partner in a wheelbarrow. One man yelled, “I know you can because you’ve been death defying so far.” After the acrobat wheeled his partner across the Falls, he asked the man to take his turn, get in the wheelbarrow, and get a safe and exciting, once-in- a- lifetime ride across Niagara Falls. Even though the bystander witnessed firsthand evidence of great skill, ability, and safety, the man refused to get in. He believed the acrobat could accomplish the feat, but lacked enough faith to put his own life in the other man’s hands by hopping into the wheelbarrow.
Here’s an important question: What would you have decided? Would you have stepped into that acrobat’s wheelbarrow? Intellectual faith (or belief) is knowing you would be safe. Behavioral faith applies what we actually believe and puts it into action. The Holy Bible is filled with simple truths that just jump out and grab us.
Hebrews 11:16 contains one of those “ah ha” truths: Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Every day is filled with crossroads. Do we truly believe God is who He declares He is, does what He promises to do, and knows all He claims He knows, or not? The biggest struggle with which all Christians wrestle is whether they will settle for having an intellectual belief in the Bible. So the zillion dollar question is, will you refuse to get in God’s wheelbarrow in all your daily activities? Or will you jump right in and go for the exhilarating ride of a lifetime? Will you pass God’s wheelbarrow test for every situation? Is there evidence of your faith in your attitudes, heart, motivations, emotions, and actions? This is where the rubber meets the road. You see, it is not just about believing. Belief is where it starts and is a vital, intellectual first step. Next, you have to have faith, make it real, apply it to your life, and take the leap into God’s wheelbarrow with all your being.
The truth is, you have to go across the Niagara Falls anyways. There’s no other path. It has to be in a wheelbarrow. But now you get to pick the driver. You or God? Life is as simple as that. My life changed when I stopped driving the wheelbarrow and let God drive.
Faith in Jesus as Lord of your life is what separates the spiritually mature from the spiritually struggling believer. Faith tells God we are willing to put our lives, our needs, and our fates in His hands … that we are willing to let Him be in control. We actually get into the wheelbarrow … without reservation or fear! We recognize that He is God and we are His flawed human children who need all He will infinitely give. God loves this just as any parent would. When we truly have behavioral faith, admit our weaknesses, see His strength, and start getting out of His way, He can transform our lives in amazing ways!!!!
Today, take a chance in one area of your life where you have refused to get in God’s wheelbarrow. Act differently today. Let Him guide your life. Name your fear. Identify why you hesitated to get in the wheelbarrow in the past. Get in God’s wheelbarrow. Be aware of the peace you experience when the burden and responsibility of the outcome is shifted from you to God. Watch God lead you into freedom.
Take a ride in His wheelbarrow. Remember the simple formula of Christian life: Believe & Receive & Become. Each arrow is an ever-growing dose and action of faith. Whether you trust God and get intoHis wheelbarrow in every situation, or you refuse to trust Him and try walking the tightrope on yourown is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I know my increased faith and belief in You pleases You. You tell me in scripture that without faith it is impossible to please You. I pray that all who read and walk on these Stepping Stones become a more pleasing people to You. I know that believing You exist is only the beginning. I know You want a personal, dynamic, life-transforming relationship with the entire Stepping Stones community, with the world, and with me. I know those of us who “earnestly seek You” will be rewarded with Your intimate presence. I place all hope in You, Lord. I pray that You restore me to full health in body, mind and spirit. I pray this in the name of the One who got in Your wheelbarrow and went to the cross, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, he I will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2
that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God 1 Corinthians 2:5