Steven

Halter

Faith is a wonderful thing. We have been saved by grace through faith ( ">

). By faith we have become children of God ( "> ). With faith, it is possible to please God ( ). When we believe God, impossible things become possible.

But can we believe too much? "Certainly not!" you may say. But to really answer that question, we have to consider what and in Whom we are believing. Too often, we as Christians believe in the wrong things, and we are quick to believe in them, too!

For example, sometimes we're quick to believe in gossip about co-workers (2 Cor. 12:20). We may believe the latest rumors about celebrities. We might believe misinformation and slander about politicians. Bosses could believe a bad report about employees. By doing these things, we can hurt others by believing (and sometimes acting on) something about them that is not true. We misjudge them, and we make it worse by telling others the half-truths and lies we've believed.

Sometimes we hurt ourselves more directly by believing whatever teaching we hear. Or we may believe a smooth talking con artist who is utilizing the latest financial scheme.

How can we protect ourselves and keep from hurting others? There are a number of things we can do. One thing is to not believe just one side of a story that is told about someone. We need to hear both sides of a story, then we can understand the situation better (

).

In addition, we can protect ourselves from false doctrine by comparing what we hear to the whole counsel of the Bible (

; "> ). We should test everything with the Bible and the guidance of the Spirit ( "> ; 1 Th. 5:21).

Let us resolve to not hurt ourselves or others by believing in things that we shouldn't. Let us ask the Lord to give us discernment about what is true and wisdom about what is right. Jesus Himself once said to His disciples, "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (

). James wrote, "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you" ( "> ).

Yes, faith is a wonderful thing! But let's not have too much of a good thing. Let's keep God and His truth as the focus of our faith. When we do that, we will be a brighter light to the world around us ( ">Mat. 5:14). And as God helps us to grow in these areas, we will become more like our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus! We will be more conformed to image of God's Son ( ">

). Thank God that His love is everlasting towards us as we continue to grow in Him.

A while back my family was able to go on a long-awaited vacation. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go with them, because circumstances prevented me from going. Still, it would be a blessing for them to go because my wife would be able to see her family, and her parents would be able to see their daughter and granddaughter. When the time came for them to go to the airport, I took my wife and daughter there to see them off, and I didn't leave until their plane had left my sight.

Later, when I got home from work, our home seemed very different. It was strangely quiet and empty I was alone.

Or was I?

You see, God was right there with me. Jesus promised that He would not leave His followers alone, but would send them the Holy Spirit.

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you" (

).

So I really wasn't alone. The Spirit was there with me, ready to encourage and strengthen me.

Perhaps you are in a similar situation. Your spouse may have gone on a business trip. Your children may have gone off to college. Your loved ones may have passed on or moved away. Whatever the case may be, remember that God is with you. The Holy Spirit is there to comfort you, uphold you, and strengthen you. He will never leave you or forsake you. You will never be alone.

While my family was away on the trip, I experienced the hand of God in another way. For though I wasn't able to go away with my family, God was able to bring something good out of a bad situation. God is wonderful and masterful at doing that.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (

).

What God did is that He redeemed the time. God showed me a number of things that I could do during the time my family was away. I didn't need to feel lonely and spend my time lazily about the house. There were many ways that He could make this both an enjoyable and productive time for me.

If you are experiencing an occasion when loved ones are away and you have extra time on your hands, there are a number of ways that God can bless you too during this period. But you have to let Him bless you, and you need to work along with Him.

First, remember that you are not alone. God loves you, and He is with you in the person of the Holy Spirit. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is there to counsel you, to comfort you, to strengthen you, and to help you grow spiritually.

Next, make this an occasion to strengthen your personal Devotions with the Lord. Spend more time reading and studying the Bible. Reflect on what you read and let God show you how it applies to your life. Let this be a time of refreshing and revitalizing for your soul. Worship God and allow the Spirit to fill you afresh.

In addition to being blessed yourself, let God speak to you about how you can be a blessing to others. Use your talents and gifts in service to His kingdom. However God has gifted you, be faithful in putting those gifts to work. Even if you feel that it is a small gift, you may be amazed at how significant it can be to others.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (

).

Next, the greatest opportunity of all, during this time or any time, is to share with others the good news concerning the new life that is available through Jesus Christ. Let God lead you and empower you by the Spirit that is in you, so you can proclaim to others how great and wonderful our Savior is. Give them an occasion to believe on Jesus and receive eternal life.

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity" (

).

Yes, we will have times when loved ones and friends are away from us. On those occasions when you are in this position, you can make the most of the time available. Whether you have a great amount of time on your hands or just a little, let God redeem it. Take the opportunity to draw closer to God. Let Him renew and refresh you. Then go out with the strength of God and be a blessing to others. As you allow Him to lead you in the right direction, He will be there with you to make the most of all of your opportunities.

Have you ever been pleasantly surprised when looking through the window to see snow falling and doing wondrous things outside? A dull and dreary day was unexpectedly and suddenly transformed into an exciting, lovely, and beautiful day. A drab landscape was turned into a delightful sight as it was blanketed with snow. Bare and seemingly lifeless trees were turned into marvelous works of art as they were decorated with brilliant white highlights.

Our own lives are like that. Like the seemingly lifeless trees, we were once dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1). We were spiritually separated from God and His kingdom.

But then we were cleansed of our sins through faith in Jesus, and were made alive (Colossians 1:13). No longer dark and bare trees, we were clothed in white. We had been given the brilliant clothes of those who are in Christ  (1 Corinthians 6:11). We had become beautiful works of art.

Also, as we are delighted to see a beautiful winter scene, so God is delighted to see His work in our lives. We who once were unsightly, being his enemies, have been marvelously transformed by His grace into children of God (Romans 5:10, John 1:12)  And just as the trees did not cover themselves with powdery snow, neither can we claim credit for our transformation (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We can give glory and thanks to God for what He has done in our lives. Because of His great love, He did not abandon us in a dark and helpless condition. He did not leave us in our sins, separated from Him. Instead, by His marvelous grace He changed and transformed us. He gave us right standing before Him, and made us part of His family. What a wonderful God!

May we allow the transformation in our lives to be a testimony to others of God's work. For the celestial snow that has fallen on our lives can fall anywhere. It can fall on other lives, changing souls. It can fall in China, Russia, Afghanistan, and around the world. May we testify with our words and our actions that God loves to change lives as His salvation falls like snow on believing hearts (2 Corinthians 5:20).