Crisis of Belief
What happens when God invites us to join him in his work? When God asks us to join him in his work, you and I are faced with a crisis of belief. We face a crisis of belief anytime God leads us to something that has God-sized dimensions; a God-sized assignment. A God-sized assignment is something that will be obvious to us that we cannot accomplish on our own. Without God’s help, we are sure to fail.
According to Henry and Richard Blackaby in Experiencing God, a crisis of belief has four distinct characteristics: an encounter with God requires faith, encounters with God are God-sized, what we do in response to God’s invitation reveals what we believe about God, and true faith requires action.
When God asks, our response requires faith. In fact, the writer of Hebrews says, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is having confidence that what God has promised will come to pass. Therefore, when we join God in this God-sized assignment, we can be confident that what God has called us to, he will also accomplish.
Do you believe God will ask you to do something that seems impossible? Scripture clearly states that God will, in fact, ask us to attempt things that seem impossible. Moses, on his own, could not part the Red Sea. Daniel, in his own power could not stop the mouths of the lions. Paul, in his own strength, could not find contentment in all situations. God wants the world to know him. And thus, when God leads us to do something impossible apart from divine intervention, a watching world witnesses God as work through the lives of his people.
Furthermore, our response to these God-sized assignments reveals what we truly believe about God. Can he and will he do what he said? Can he and will he do the seemingly impossible through me and you? Our response gives a clear indication about what you and I truly believe about our great and mighty God.
Finally, faith is more than just mere belief. Faith requires action. David put his faith in action by going to battle with Goliath with only a sling and five smooth stones. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego put their faith into action by submitting themselves to the fiery punishment ordered by the king. Hebrews 11 gives many examples of those who, “By faith…” took actions that demonstrated their faith in God.
When God gives us a God-sized assignment, we will be faced with a crisis of belief. The way you and I respond to this crisis of belief reveals what we believe about God. Without faith you and I cannot please the Lord. Without action, our faith is dead.
God is inviting us to join him. How will we respond?
In Christ,
