More Than a Measure

I work in an environment where brainstorming is essential to our growth. We are always thinking about the future and what direction our organization is moving in. I can think back over the years to how often we’d have a brainstorming session and our vision would be way out there. That’s the purpose, right? Throw out all the ideas because you never know. Over time, our staff have become mentally burned out. We used to dream big, but after so many years of rejections and limitations, dreaming big became a fantasy.

The history of rejection had taken its toll and folks didn’t want to contribute grand ideas anymore. They very much felt like, “what’s the point?”  It was very telling, because suddenly those “big ideas” were very limited. Even when told “no limits” or “no restrictions”, there were invisible ones that the staff began to keep in the front of their minds. Always prepared for rejection to the point that they never even bother with the ask anymore. 

This made me think about how people find themselves in a similar pair of shoes when it comes to our faith. We are so sure that our “ask” of God is too big, that we don’t bother asking at all. Or when we do, we give up a little too soon when a wait is involved. Those are subtle, but harmful ways that we end up imposing limitations on an infinite God. But if we make a choice to trust God, then we have to work on removing those invisible, yet harmful barriers we have in place during our time of prayer.

We’ve all received a measure of faith. It’s up to us what becomes of it. Does it remain as small as a mustard seed for all our years or are we nurturing it and allowing it to grow into a full blown tree? Think about if you received an apple seed. There is not much to be accomplished if it remains a seed. But if it’s planted, the odds of seeing a tree or fruit spring forth from that seed are very slim. As is our faith. If we have it, that’s great. But we have to exercise it even when it comes to our daily lives. Whatever the need or even a desire you have, don’t be afraid to lay that before God during your time of prayer. If you do, trust and believe that he will deliver. Have faith.

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