Hello ,

Growth can be exceedingly painful. Wherever you are on this journey that we call "life," there is no static place called "normal" that allows us to stay there for any length of time. 

We're either growing, or we're regressing.

Now, certainly time can take a toll on any of us. Over the past month I have begun a workout program once again. I am absolutely SHOCKED at how out-of-shape I was (and still am). 

I'm approaching 60, and the years are beginning to show up in my stamina, my strength, and my resolve. I am committed though, to do what I can to become physically stronger (even at this stage in my life). 

There is one area though, where growth is always something that we should strive for. 

Faith.

If you're anything like me, you've made your share of mistakes in this life while you were trying to pull yourself up by your own boot-straps," and fix everything. 

"I Did It My Way" is a favorite song of over-achievers, but it leaves little encouragement when the chips are down and we are at the end of our ropes.

Faith helps us to level-up. 

Faith gives us pause to remember that there are things in this world that simply can't be fixed by any human agency, and we need more of it every day.

Faith is like a muscle. 

If it's worked, it becomes stronger. 

If it's neglected, it becomes atrophied. 

Over the next 3 days, I'd like to share 3 ways that we can exercise our faith. They're certainly not the "end-all" to growing in this area of our lives, but I hope that these might cause all of us to explore the space of what a growing faith can look like in real time. 

Until then, let's lay down a "bedrock" principle:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him".  

Hebrews 11:16

God is faithful to us. 

He can help us to be faithful to Him. 

It takes exercise, and sometimes it's even painful...but it's worth it.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word