Borrowed Faith

“Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it….Be generous with the different things God gave you…” 1 Peter 4:7-8,10 MSG

Reading this scripture above and reflecting on all that is going on in the world, it certainly feels like everything is about to be “wrapped up”. In fact, it feels like we are much closer to the end of this world than its beginning. We’re almost two months into the Covid-19 pandemic and, with each passing day, uncertainty of the world’s fate seemingly increases. Remote learning has been extended, along with “stay-at-home” orders; and some states have even decided to just call it a school year. The unemployment rate is at its highest and grocery stores have less items on their shelves than people have stored in their garages.

But I believe that, despite this pandemic situation, God is making a greater demand – on all of us. You see, this plot against humanity has turned into an opportunity for the Kingdom of God, and a clarion call for believers. So, I will share about me. In the past few weeks, God has pressed me to go on live streams in Spanish and speak to my Hispanic Community – friends, family, and friends of family. I had witnessed their fear and despair, I had seen their hopeless posts. So, in ALL my discomfort, I obeyed God and began to stream a few times a week. Whatever God placed in my heart, I said it. Messages of hope and God’s love.

Last Thursday, God pressed on me to talk about the ultimate sacrifice and the blood that was shed for us. All of us. I knew He wanted me to say the prayer of salvation. No coincidence it was Holy Thursday and Good Friday, right? So, I had my usual, “if you don’t give me the words, I’m not saying anything” spiel with God. (Again, out of my comfort zone). After, someone reached out to me to pray for her daughter. She is in Peru and her daughter was diagnosed with Coronavirus and is here in the U.S. I reassured her and said that I would now pray for her as well – for peace in her mind. I encouraged and reminded her that even though she’s far, God is not and He will heal her daughter.

When we were done talking, I realized something about this world right now. I realized it is in desperate need of faith, hope, and love. That it is especially devoid of faith. Everyone is busy worrying about their families, their lives, their resources, and everything on the news. Romans 12:3 says God has given us each a degree of faith. Our faith grows with each trial we go through. So, what if we had extra faith to give? What if those of us who have been through all kinds of hell in our lives have stored up enough faith to offer to this hurting and hopeless world? What if the hope the world needs right now is borrowed faith? And, what if that borrowed faith came from you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the beginning of a new day and a new opportunity to give generously to a world that is hurting right now. Thank You for the measure of faith that You have given me, for taking me from faith to faith with every trial and triumph. Holy Spirit, help me to see those whom You’ve assigned to me for such a time as this, that I may be salt and light to them. Lord, show me who needs a word of encouragement and a prayer filled with words of faith, who needs to be lifted. I thank You for the call on my life and the purpose You have given me. Allow me to make myself available to You so You can use me for Your glory. And, in everything I do, You alone get all the glory, honor, and praise in Jesus’ name.