Sep
03
Disclaimer: I’ve been writing (okay, revising) a lot tonight, and I’m all out of good words. But this topic is burning a hole in my blog-pocket and must be addressed.
No, it’s not the modesty thing. Although I’ve been thinking about that a lot. And as soon as I can compile my thoughts and compose them in a way that truly reflects my love for all of God’s girls and my desire for them to see themselves as beautiful…I’ll write more on the subject. I’m not interested in preaching a sermon. I have no desire to demand that you cover yourself from neck to knees. I just want each of you to feel so stinking confident in yourselves and how much you’re loved by your Father. What you wear is secondary.
Oh my goodness. I couldn’t stay on task if my life depended on it.
Last week I asked you what you’re passionate about and what your “dream job” would be. (Here’s the post–there are some great comments, if you missed it!) Today’s question is somewhat related.
First of all, this concept of Believing Bigger has been on my mind and heart for quite awhile now. Of course, there’s the whole Zoo Thing. But it’s even bigger than that. After going through Believing God in 2007 (then making my way through the workbook 2 more times since then), I’ve been inspired to trade in my puny, wimpy faith for some good old-fashioned Believing-God-is-Who-He-Says-He-is-and-Can-Do-What-He-Says-He-Can-Do!
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)
Without weakening in his faith, he [Abraham] faced the fact that he was as good as dead… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:19-21)
“According to your faith it will be done to you.” (Matthew 9:29)
His incomparably great power for us who believe…is like the working of his mighty strength. (Ephesians 1:19)
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. (Psalm 77:14)
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known. (Habakkuk 3:2)
That kind of faith.
Now that we’re done with all those zoos, I’ve been challenged to keep up that Believing Big thing. And believe me, there is MUCH in my life right now that requires some Big Faith. (sometimes I just long for a day or two when I don’t need God desperately)
Here’s my challenge to you on this lovely Thursday morn (afternoon/evening/whatever). Believe God for something so BIG this week (month, year) that you couldn’t possibly do it on your own. Got that? Then there will be no question as to who gets the glory.
Now, don’t go and do something stupid. Like say, go to 61 zoos in 61 weeks. But I want you to think of something big–HUGE–and pray that God will make it happen. And I will guarantee you this: He’s going to blow you away. Either you’re going to get what you prayed for, or He’s going to do something bigger and better than you could have ever imagined.
He loves you. He created you. He knows you.
Did I mention that He loves you?
Are you ready to do something really uncomfortable? I want you to tell me one thing you’re going to believe God BIG for in the days and weeks ahead. Don’t worry about looking stupid, don’t worry about getting a “no” answer and being disappointed. Ask God to help your unbelief (can’t tell you how many times I’ve done this in the past year), but BELIEVE.
And I hate to add this disclaimer (I’m a big disclaimer fan–nothing like a good disclaimer to cover your hide), but–this is not a name-it-and-claim-it deal. This isn’t about saying to God, “Give me tons of money and all new stuff and make me the prettiest, coolest, most popular kid on the Blog Block.” This is about believing what the Bible says–that we can’t please God without FAITH, that according to my faith it will be done to me, that there is power in believing God.
Anyway. Here’s a story you might like–one of my friends has decided to Believe Big. She put it out there. You can do it too.
Some old wise guy once said (something along the lines of), “You can’t cross a chasm in two small steps.”
Leap, my friend.
[...] week Marla Taviano wrote a blog post about believing bigger. I struggled a little with that post. I believe God can, I just don’t always believe God [...]
For a friend, please.
Marla, I absolutely LOVE faith posts and faith challenges!! This is so encouraging!!!!
I am believing BIG for my family right now. Our adoptive daughter has major emotional handicaps and life with 4 kids (three of them 2 and under) is a challenge. I am believing God for my sanity, humor, energy, and fruits of the Spirit, as well as the spiritual and emotional health of each of my children. Praise GOD!
I’m a little late in responding but oh well. Better late than never.
I’m believing that God will bless me and my husband with a child. He is bigger than our infertility challenges and the percentages the doctors like to throw around. He has given me hope and a peace and I am trusting in His timing. I can’t wait to praise His name for blessing us with a miracle.
Praying for my husband to get the raise that he deserves and that it will put us in the position we need to be in to buy a home to raise our children in.
Last year God provided us the discipline to pay off all our CC debits (still working on the school loans!). Now this. I have faith!
I’d like to pray for a family or even just a husband…instead I KNOW I can trust HIM to take care of me regardless!
I believe that when the time is right God will allow me to get pregnant again and carry to term…. at least that’s what we’re hoping for. I know that trusting in Him that we will at least have the peace and the strength we need to keep going.
I’m believing in God that he will provide the finances we need either by Jon getting another job or in some other way. I’m also believing that he will make it clear to me whether I should continue teaching at a Christian school or if there’s something else out there for me instead. It takes so much trust and a step out of my comfort zone to even think about it.
I believe that my daddy is not a lost cause. He CAN know what it is like to be in an intimate relationship with God and he CAN have a full and healthy life.
Last week, he survived a massive cardiac event that should have killed him. It wasn’t a coincidence that he was in a room full of fellow pediatricians who began CPR immediately, or that the ambulance arrived in 3 minutes or that all the right doctors were in place at the right time in his small town. He is only 58, and he has a LOT more life to live and give.
If God can soften my daddy’s heart, he can do anything!
My big thing – I believe God has opened the door and given me the desire to become certified as a yoga trainer, including certification to teach a christian yoga program. My “believe big” leap of faith is that I will have the determination and discipline to complete the 250 hours of training and bring it home and work with at least one church in my area to minister to women on being both spiritually and physically healthy within a year. I’m excited to see it happen!