Faith Over Fixin’

Come on over here, friend! It’s so great to have you stoppin’ by today. So, step on up to this ol’ front porch and rest your feet for a lil’ ol’ minute or two. Some questions in life plum hit us like a silly lil’ ol’ rooster that’s done decided sunrise is plum optional and starts crowin’ at midnight. Other questions sneak up like an ol’ possum that’s done figured out how to open your feed bin and looks mighty proud of itself as it founders itself on sweet feed. When the crowd asked Jesus in John 6:28, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God,” they were basically askin’ how to impress the Almighty. Psalm 28:7 reminds us that, “The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in Him and I am helped.” That there verse plum settles the dust right away. God just ain’t lookin for no spiritual gymnastics. He’s sho’-nuff’ lookin’ for trust.

All through history folks have tried to earn their way into God’s good graces. Romans 1:18-20 tells us that everyone has some sense of God tucked down deep inside ‘em. The trouble is we often act like a rascally squirrel that thinks it can outrun a pickup truck. We try to fix ourselves, save ourselves, and justify ourselves. The Jews in John 6 wanted a checklist. They wanted a spiritual chore chart. But Jesus wanted their hearts.

Religion will always offer a real long list of sacrifices, rituals, and good deeds. Christianity says something very different. It says we can’t earn salvation because our efforts are what Hebrews 6:1 and 9:14 call “dead works.” Dead works are the things we do to try to convince God we’re plum worthy. Faith is the only door through which we can be steppin’ into His grace. Jesus sho’-nuff’ does the saving. We gotta be doin’ the trusting.

Here’s a verse to deepen this truth. Titus 3:5 says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” That verse fits like a saddle fits a horse. It plum reminds us that salvation ain’t no reward for effort. It’s a gift for the humble.

Friend, when you feel tempted to prove yourself to God, remember that He just ain’t not kind of impressed by spiritual strutting. He’s moved by real faith. He’s drawn to real trust. He delights in hearts that plum lean on Him instead of themselves. You’ve gotta be lettin’ your confidence rest in Christ alone.

Father, thank You for saving me by Your mercy. Teach me to trust You instead of trying to earn what You freely give. Help me rest in Your grace and walk in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Well then, friend, let this truth settle into your heart the way evening light settles over a quiet pasture as you git on back to the adventures ahead today. God’s grace holds you steadier than an ol’ oak tree that has roots that reach deep and hold it steady so that it can withstand many fierce storms. His mercy reaches farther than a river that winds its way through every hidden valley. His love carries you stronger than an ol’ workhorse that plum refuses to quit even when the trail gets steep. As you move forward, remember that faith ain’t your attempt to impress God. It’s your willingness to lean on the One who’s already done the work. You’ve gotta be trustin’ Him, restin’ in Him, and lettin’ His kindness shape your steps.

With joy,

Gwen