Chapter 3:: Faith Works!

Hi Ladies! This is Sarah Vint again. Can you believe that Christmas is 4 days away?! Joel and I just finished up our Christmas shopping and what did we walk out of the mall to find but a lil' sprinkling of snow! It was so movie like. Nonetheless, I'm certainly not a gal that enjoys that white stuff (shoveling, bundling up, freezing cold, dry skin, cracked lips... yuck). I LOVE summer. LOVE. IT. The heat. The pool. The tan. The smell of sunscreen. Did I mention that I live 2 blocks from the pool (I know, right?)?! Regardless, it is SO odd to me that we don't have ANY snow yet! Zilch. I'm just praying to the Lord Jesus that this doesn't mean we'll have snow until May. My COMPLETE sanity might be at stake! You may be wondering why I still live in Iowa. Hmm... great question! It all started when I, a native Minnesotan, said "I'm NEVER going to live in Iowa & I'm NEVER going to marry someone from Iowa". Take Justin Bieber's advice and never say never. Just sayin'.

But again, we didn't come to talk about me (or life preferences for that matter), we came to talk about faith that works. Coincidentally, Kendra & I just finished a semester long study on the book of James titled "A Faith that's Real". Whew. Talk about raking a girl over the coals! Oofta. This chapter was SUCH a good reminder of many of the things that I learned and thought I understood (but clearly don't) from that study. I'm so thankful for the Lord's great patience and new mercy each day (Lam 3:22-23) and that he is so faithful to help me learn to actually fix my eyes on Jesus step-by-step!

In my mind, Wendy uses this chapter 3 to do three things: 1) Give us clear examples of actions that give evidence of a lack of faith and 2) Give us clear examples of actions that evidence faithfulness & 3) Cause us to reflect on our lives and challenges us to walk in faith that works.

Again, I'd love for you to journal a few things about what you read:

1. What Old/New Testament examples of acts of unfaithfulness stand out to you? What were the practical effect) of their lack of faith?
2. On p. 44 Wendy asks, "Do you find it disturbing to read about the link between a lack of faith and sin? Would you rather think of your lack of faith as a weakness?... God calls a lack of faith sin." How have you thought about faith and doubt in the past? Read James 2:14-26. How does what you read in the book and reading these verses change your perspective? 
3. On p. 46 Wendy states, "We see the problem of provision and forgetfulness over & over throughout the New Testament-- and over and over in our own lives. God does something big, and we simply forget." Take some time to reflect over the past semester or year. List as many ways as you can think of in which God provided, whether it was external (like new friends or someone to sit by at lunch) or internal (he gave you a new perspective about your circumstances). I find that as I look forward I can do so with anxiety and fear until I look back and see the literal fingerprints of God in my life-- His loving hand providing every step of the way (even if it doesn't turn out how I originally thought it should).
4. Now, using that same list, list next to it what your initial reaction was to that situation. Maybe you were really anxious about coming to college (I was!). Maybe you were afraid to change you major (also me x2!) or maybe you were anxious about not ever dating someone in college (and again, me!). Now, take some time to thank God for how He has provided. Isn't He faithful? Now, lift up the things you are initially tempted to be anxious or fearful about that are in the "near" or "distant" future (maybe still some of the same things from the past year/semester). Lay them at His feet, ask Him to provide in His way, ask Him to help you fall even more in love with Him and align your desires with His, and ask Him to help you "work out your faith" in these situations. 
5. What examples of acts of faithfulness that are mentioned stand out to you? What was/were the practical effect(s) of their faith?
6. Ok, last one (I promise!). At the beginning of the chapter Wendy asks, "Who in your life do you consider to be a man or woman of faith?... What is it about them that demonstrates authentic faith to you? What have you noticed about how they responded to trials and struggles in their lives?" Spend some time thinking about this and answering these questions. If there is someone that sticks out in your mind (and they are still alive), would you write them a quick e-mail, Facebook message, or letter to encourage them? Use some of the examples and scripture references you've learned. Heck, even ask them to pray that He'd help you to fix your eyes on Him-- the author and perfecter of our faith! Ready, Go!

Writing this post is so deeply challenging to me. I have a a difficult situation going on in my life that seriously makes my skin want to crawl. Most of the time I'd rather shave my head bald than enter into the situation (I know that doesn't really sound all that extreme for most, but I care WAY TOO MUCH about my hair!). I'm praying that we REALLY, REALLY would fix our eyes on Him (Heb 12:2). We can't "work it up" within ourselves to walk in faith and certainly can't earn His favor by even doing so. But I SO want us to know that He is faithful, that in the end we will look back and see that He used these things for good, and for us to make our Daddy, our Abba, smile. He does delight in us. Isn't that so stinkin' cool?!

So grateful for you and can't wait to enjoy a few more chapters with you and another great post by my friend, Kendra!