WordFilled Wednesdays ~ Hebrews 11:6

This verse falls right in the middle of the Experiencing God study, at the turning point which Blackaby refers to called the "Crisis of Belief." This is the point in which our beliefs about God play out in our actions.

Blackaby has already established four of his seven key principles using Scriptures and Biblical examples.:

1. God is always at work around you.
2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.

He then introduces this fifth principle:

God's invitation for you to work with Him always
leads to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

As Blackaby unpacked this concept through stories and illustrations, I honestly found myself overwhelmed (and this is the second time I've done this study!). His profound examples of faith and seeing God's provisions are far from familiar to my own spiritual journey, leading me to question whether I've ever truly had a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.

Yes, there have been times where I stepped out in faith -- like making the decision with my husband to start a family, even though the finances and circumstances seemed questionable. But ultimately, was it faith that caused that next step or confidence in our ability to just figure it out one piece at a time?

I've spent most of my life fighting for survival, with little trust of others, all the while learning to be self-sufficient. It is counter to my nature to depend on anyone, much less walk down an unknown path. I always have a game plan, a method, or a formula to accomplish the purpose at hand. I am beginning to see, at a new level, how this habit of living has also shaped my relationship with God and ability to trust Him completely. While I step out in faith at times, I have to admit that I always have plan B in my back pocket in case "things" -- which really means "God" -- falls through.

Where do I go from here? Now that I see this truth -- that my faith has depended on my ability and not God's -- what needs to change? Well, I need to not get so caught up in Blackaby's principles that I begin to condemn myself or my faith, which is the tendency I've witnessed in most women (and maybe even men) doing this study. Instead, I need to take hold of this Scripture, by giving my FAITH to the Lord, BELIEVING that God will do what He says He can do...and that He is who He says He is (yes, hints of Beth Moore's Believing God study coming out here), and SEEK after the Lord in all things.

There is also another verse that brings me great comfort and instruction...

Romans 8:26-28
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I know that I've been called according to God's purpose, so I certainly can put my faith in that and trust that in my own weakness, the Spirit will pray for me for those things I can not even fathom. Yes, I agree with Blackaby that our spiritual journey includes "crisis of belief" moments, but they are not the foundation of our faith. Belief that Jesus is truly the Savior is the rock on which we all must stand. I am sure that as I turn to know Him more and more, that my actions will reflect a growing trust and unwavering faith that leads to action.

Have you had "Crisis of Belief" moments that you can testify to God's provision and an increase in your faith? Share with me! I'd love to here!

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