Putting faith into action is a significant step for believers because it demonstrates our faith is genuine. After Moses’ death, the Lord told Joshua, Moses’ assistant, that Moses was dead and it was time for him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan into the land He would give them. During this crucial moment, Joshua might have hesitated or made excuses, but empowered by the Lord’s encouragement and strength, he quickly put his faith into action.
Joshua 1:10 Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.” [1] On our faith journey, we frequently seek guidance and clarity regarding God’s plans for us. We want to obey and act, but often find ourselves indecisive and uncertain. Yet, a vital principle to hold onto is trust. Believing God’s plan is crucial and empowering, as demonstrated by Joshua’s leadership of the Israelites.
A Call to Trust
Central to following God’s plan is the call to trust. Trusting God involves surrendering our personal plans and accepting His perfect will. It means letting go of control and trusting that His plans surpass anything we can envision. Such trust calls for faith in God’s goodness, wisdom, and love, especially during uncertain or difficult times. When we trust in God, we can proceed confidently, assured that He guides us at every stage.
As we trust, obey, and act, we will face new challenges, opportunities, and seasons. As we look at the life of Joshua, leading the Israelites in crossing the Jordan River was just one of many steps in trusting the Lord. Along our journey of faith, we will also experience putting faith into action as the Lord leads. As we do, the Lord opens doors for us that we would not be aware of if we had not trusted Him.
Putting Faith into Action is Life-Changing
Putting our faith into action is life-changing because we are acting on what God tells us through His word and the work of the Holy Spirit. The Israelites could not move forward to the promised land if Joshua had not trusted God. In the same way, God can’t unfold the plan He has for our lives if we don’t trust Him. Hebrews 11:1Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. [2]
God called Joshua to spend time in His word, and in doing so, he would be strong and courageous. To place our faith into action, we too need to spend time in God’s word and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. In doing so, God will give you the strength to move forward in faith, and in hindsight, it will surprise you. When you struggle to put your faith into action, meditate on this verse. Philippians 4:13For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.[3]
To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.