The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
We live in an age of many deceptions. We all are prone to error. We have an enemy seeking to destroy us. So, how can we live in confident faith! Perfect love casts out all fear–and when we live in the love of Christ, we can trust Him to guide us–to humble us as needed and deliver us.
Those changed by the love of the infinite, eternal God have a common desire: to be used by God. The One who gives us purpose and meaning inspires us to help others find the same beauty. As we walk out that desire, sin seeks ways to pervert our passion. Instead of being vessels used by God, we become vessels who use God. Our faith in God begins to serve as a crutch to help us achieve our own plans. Only passion from God powers us for a fulfilled, purposeful life.
How can I recognize impurity in my faith? Isn’t praying enough?
Scripture abounds with folks who heard from God—and did their own thing. To me that is a terrifying truth! God talks to and even uses people who are not surrendered to Him (think of Balaam, Nebuchanezer and Samson). In reality, every servant of God (in Scripture and in our own lives) makes mis-steps. Surrendered praying seeks the will of God–not a specific result!
Obedience walks us toward the holy presence of God. A soft heart with pure faith will recognize steps that take us away from the sweet peace of His presence. We are responsible to choose His presence over every other thing: success, knowledge, good works, praise of people, finances, self-indulgence. And we are responsible for self-deception that leads us from His presence.
The first sign of faulty faith is relying on our selves—our ability, knowledge, planning or effort. By definition, living by faith requires something that is uncertain. If we have it altogether and know every detail, there is no faith. When we believe we know all there is to know about God, we limit God. Another sign is irritation for delays and diversions from our plans. Faith responds to all with quiet confidence in the sovereignty of God.
Such a life of faith cannot be built on human nature. By design, humanity needs security to function. The only solid security for life is internalizing—and living out–our identity in Jesus Christ. He alone is the all-sufficient, stable foundation for a full and abundant life. That is what Jesus came to provide! (John 10:10)
But what if we step out in faith and we fall? What if we misunderstand the plan or get caught up in our own desires?
Those are the blessed moments we rejoice in Christ’s promise that He would never leave us nor forsake us. His grace is greater than every sin, every mistake we can make. God transforms our mis-steps into miracles when we seek Him! Our capacity to know and receive the grandeur of God enlarges when we recognize our need for grace. The fear of failure reveals roots of pride. Humble hearts receive the Kingdom—proud hearts battle God.
Only One ever lived a perfect life without error: He is our Faithful Guide. Every character in Scripture made mistakes, and we will not leave this life without doing the same!
What step of faith is God asking you to take?
