First: To experience God’s blessing we need to believe that He exists and that He rewards us when we seek Him. “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” says the writer of Hebrews (11:6).

Second: Faith in God’s existence goes far beyond a passive, mental assent. If we believe God exists AND rewards (blesses) those who seek Him, action IS REQUIRED. A stagnant, non-functioning faith doesn’t see God’s active blessing and movement because:

FAITH IS A Living, Daring Confidence in God.

Time for Truth: Is that what FAITH means to you? Or has your faith shriveled to merely a familiar routine of church attendance and giving thanks for a meal? Perhaps it is a belief system, a way you make sense of the world and the evil in it. Or maybe it is a sentimental, warm, fuzzy feeling that God loves you and all will be well? What would you say FAITH MEANS TO YOU?

Let me ask you some more questions:

• When was the last time you acted out of your FAITH, put your confidence in God and took a risk?
• What did you do?
• How did it stretch you?
• What did you learn about God and yourself from jumping into something because you sensed God calling you to act?
• How do you feel when you reflect on what God did through you when you stepped forward?

Several years ago I found myself in a situation that terrified me. I had said “YES” to speaking all over Australia for six weeks. Some of you have heard me talk about this traumatic time!

I was called, “The International Speaker.” Talk about terrifying. I wanted to tell every audience I spoke to in seventeen cities that it was just me, not some amazing International Speaker.

But by the end of that speaking tour, I had learned so much about God that I praise Him for what He did. He led me through one of the most stretching, frightening, overwhelming and incredibly inspiring experiences I’ve ever had in walking with Him.

Saying YES to God is how you experience His blessing in your life. It is how you experience His power in your weakness. The Lord said to the apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12: 9.

When you say YES to whatever God is nudging you to do, you will no longer be blocking the blessing He has for you!

To help you move forward and walk in faith, here are six principles from Abraham’s life that God showed me:

• God doesn’t wait until we feel ready to do what He asks. To develop our faith, He plunges us into the deep end so we’ll learn to lean on Him, not on our own abilities.
  
• God uses us even when we’re terrified. Faith isn’t the absence of fear. It’s doing what God says in spite of our fear.
  
• God makes us sufficient for His plans, despite our self-doubts. Gifts and skills need developing, but God promises to provide what we need to succeed.
  
• When God calls, He doesn’t give details. When Abraham said "Yes," he didn’t know where God was leading him or what he’d encounter. He simply took the first step!
  
• God doesn’t ask us to rely on our own ideas and abilities. He showed Abraham where to go and He leads us when we simply follow, one step at a time.
  
• God doesn’t give up when we get sidetracked. God kept moving Abraham forward into His plans and purpose, and He won’t give up on us even if we mess up along the way.

What do you sense God calling you to do? Many opportunities begin in September. Have you been asked to help at church, in your community, in a ministry, take on a new job, pursue a passion? Will you say YES? Don’t let fear keep you from stepping into something that will bless and possibly change you and your life.

Catch the Excitement…

• I’m headed to Nairobi, Kenya, and speaking to various groups October 16-22. Contact Ms. Janet Mwenje if you want more information: mukamwe@yahoo.com
• I’m talking with a ministry leader in Taiwan about a possible women’s conference there in January, 2012.
• I’ll be back in Singapore in January and looking forward to discovering God’s purposes.

New book: WHY CAN’T HE BE MORE LIKE ME?

Just heard that my next book is headed toward publication in the Spring with Harvest House. It’s tentatively titled “WHY CAN’T HE BE MORE LIKE ME?” and is all about marrying someone (or dating them) who is so different from you it leaves you baffled, frustrated and wondering how he could possibly think and act that way! Anyone experienced that?

I hope to do some seminars and conferences, or luncheon talks on this subject. Maybe even for couples at various events. It is a great topic that most of us can resonate with! Contact me at poppy@poppysmith.com or via my website: www.poppysmith.com for more information.

Blessings, joy, and spiritual excitement to you my friends.

Enjoy the summer,

Upcoming Events:

Speaking Calendar:

2011:

March 12: SOUL FEAST, Village Church, Beaverton, OR

March 18-20: Retreat for Grace Four Square Church, Camas, WA

March 26: Inspire U, Elmbrook Church, Wisconsin

April 29-30: Women's Conference, Brookings, OR

May 14-16: Retreat, Community Christian Fellowship, Edmonds, WA

October 16-21: Nairobi, Kenya

Please contact me to speak for your group: poppy@poppysmith.com

Ask Questions - Get Answers from Poppy:

I'm asked questions about faith, life application of Biblical principles and spiritual growth everywhere I speak.

Now, for my online friends, I'd like to give you the same opportunity to ask questions.

I'll answer your questions and share comments in coming issues of "Thrive". Just contact me and let me know what you'd like to know more about...all at the click of your mouse!