In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17)
FAITH ISN’T BELIEVING in spite of evidence; faith is obeying in spite of consequence. I saw evidence of this truth in the life of a precious sister in Christ. One day Lori’s father had a stroke that left him bedridden and unable to speak, leaving her with a choice to make. Should she bring him home and become his caretaker or put him in a long-term nursing home? She prayed and sought the Lord’s will.
A missions conference happened to occur at our church during the time of her decision making. In one meeting, a missionary shared her testimony of having to quit her dream job to care for her sick and dying mother. She told her listeners how she prayed for guidance. The Lord led her to lay her work aside for a time. Through hearing this missionary’s story, Lori knew in her heart she was to bring her father home.
Genuine faith will always include actions that need to be taken. Whether home care or nursing home, choosing the best mode of care for our loved ones and doing the work that goes along with it can be difficult business. Living faith changes everything and gives us the strength to make choices we never thought we could make and do things we never thought we could do.
Keep your faith alive by blessing others with actions that are covered in prayer.
Susan Browning Schulz is a wife and active mom of three grown children. She lives riverside in northwest Georgia and loves leading her small group.
