Reality Check (Faith In God)
A close friend was the victim of a home invasion last year while her husband was at work and she was in the house with her 2-year-old. The intruder broke in through a downstairs window, rummaged through a few things on the first floor then walked upstairs to lock eyes with my friend and her daughter who calmly asked, "Mommy, who is that?"
It was only about 7 feet of space that separated my friend from a complete stranger in her own home. After a quick but intense mutual stare, the intruder scurried back down the stairs and out the front door. I got word of what happened took action and went over right away. Sad to say I came in and met another one of her friends who jumped right into the arms of fear. "You've gotta move to a new neighbourhood. Houses are for sale in my area...I'll start making calls..." She thought she was helping them, but was only parading her lack of faith. Yes I acknowledged God's grace. The situation could have been much worse. The intruder did not get physical or violent; instead, he fled. But because of her other friend faith was a no-show, she could not inspire faith in my friend. In an instant without flinching, she adamantly suggested they uproot the family and essentially "run" because the intruder could return to finish business. While she spewed faith-void opinions, I stepped forth to deposit more sound advice; regarding the incident as a wake-up call: I assured her that all will be well. "Here's where you prove what you say you believe. Your faith in God must now become more than words. Is it your reality?" We prayed about the situation and give God thanks. My assurance and belief ended up shaking her out of her foolishness. Even though it was my friend's experience, the whole ordeal felt just as scary for me. Spiritually, she was not where I thought she was. It was emotionally challenging for them, but my friends decided to take my advice and focus on moving the family forward. They embraced the small miracle that no one was hurt, repaired their window, installed an alarm system and continued on with their lives...stronger, more thankful and certainly more faithful. It is cool to be faith-filled when things are going good. But in the greatest time of need, what is your reality: Faith or fear?
Scripture of the Day: "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith." - 2 Corinthians 13:5