City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

⁴⁶ “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? ⁴⁷ I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. ⁴⁸ It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.

Luke 6:46-48 (NLT)

¹ God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. ² For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.³ For only we who believe can enter his rest.

Hebrews 4:1-3 (NLT)

²⁶ For just as the human body without the spirit is a dead corpse, so faith without the expression of good works is dead!

James 2:26 (TPT)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses show us the splendid harmony embedded in our faith and corresponding actions. They also show us the foolishness and imprudence of hearing God’s Word and ignoring it. Such people are hardened to God’s Word and dull to His ways. James 4:26 likens faith without the expression of good works to a dead corpse without a spirit. 

A corpse is non-responsive to the world around it. Our spirit is what activates our bodies to engage with others and enjoy life. Similarly, we come alive to God and His world when we listen to His Word and act like it’s true. 

But why is it so hard to believe God’s Word? All of His promises are true and if there’s anyone we could possibly trust, wouldn’t it be God? Yet we experience overwhelming doubt, frustration, and struggle to believe God will do what He says. Why? 

It could be a number of things: we are hardened to God because of our experiences, we face harsh trials that seem contradictory to what God says and give up believing, we are distracted/chasing after other things, and the list goes on. 

However, if you decide to believe in God and nourish your faith with a steady flow of hopeful expectation and trust in God’s Word, it is UNSTOPPABLE. That’s why the enemy slams us with so much opposition when it comes to believing God and His promises. 

Now that you know or have been reminded, what are you going to do?

Application

Dare to believe God’s Word. Hide it in your heart and don’t let go despite what arises in your life. God’s Word will steady you in every storm and keep you grounded. Don’t just read God’s Word to gather information or check some box off your list. Read God’s Word to know who He is. Meditate on it day and night. Consider what God says about life–it covers everything. 

For those specifics that are not necessarily addressed in the Bible, ask God for wisdom on what to do, and act in faith. Do not flip flop like a fish out of water. You have God abiding within you. Even if you miss it, God can redirect you, so don’t worry. Just trust Him, obey what He tells you to do, and enjoy the amazing life that flows out of a rich relationship with God. 

Prayer

Oh Lord, how I long to know You, really know You. You’re worthy of my life being submitted completely to You. Your Word is trustworthy and true despite the contradictory obstacles standing in the way. I choose to believe in You and what You say regardless of what I see. Empower me to stand on this decision from this moment on. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.