The Work of Faith

When I read the Scriptures slowly enough, a word or a sentence that may have been missed when racing through, suddenly stands out!  

I had read these words just days ago:

When asked, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?"
Jesus replied: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."  JOHN 6:28-29

I met someone this week who is on a journey to faith

...not yet a journey in faith.

He wandered in to a public place where there was a small Bible study going on.
At first, he sat a distance away, but then moved in to join those at the table.

He said: "Faith is hard!  It's hard to believe in someone that you cannot see."  

He asks questions.  

We look through the Scriptures to find words that speak to the questions. 

...my mind trails later in the book of John.

Jesus says: "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."  JOHN 17:3

Work:  activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something:
      a :  sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
      b :  the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood
      c :  a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity

...and I say: "This is worthy work!"

These words come to my mind, though I don't speak them aloud, although recognizing what the Lord is doing in this time.  

“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,
and the message is heard through the word about Christ. ROMANS 10:8-17

I ask, "How can I pray for you?"
He responds, "Pray for my understanding."

Mission, Jesus style calls us to be the bearers of Good News!  

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  COLOSSIANS 3:16

In what ways are you allowing the message of Christ to dwell in you richly, each and every day, knowing that in this way HE is nourishing your faith and preparing you to be the bearer of Good News!  This is the work of God!

 When your pitcher is full, it can't help but overflow and bless others!