Have you ever played darts before? I am not sure why, but that was never a game played at my house. The closest thing I’ve done to playing darts is trying to pop a balloon with a dart at a carnival game. And sad to say, I was not very good at it. Although I clearly saw what my intended target was, I never was able to direct the dart properly. Several times I came close but close doesn’t count.
Just like those darts, I have had my faith shot in the wrong direction many times. On occasions my faith has been entrusted in my own abilities, knowledge, or wisdom. At other times my faith was carelessly put on other people or quite frankly my actions revealed that my real trust was in things. Now of course that was not always instantly visible to me. But it was true. My faith was cast every where except where it needed to be. From time to time it does us all good to evaluate our faith.
Reflecting on Sunday’s message, I’m determined to properly focus my faith this week, which requires proper aim. To aim, I need the following:
- A-awareness: I need to be aware of all the many places in which its possible to place my faith.
- I-information: I need to get knowledge about the who or what I have chosen to place my faith. Is it a trustworthy source? Foremost we have to be aware of the truth that each of us have faith. Romans 12:3b, Instead be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. (Common English Bible)
- M-move: If your faith has been misplaced move it to the proper place. Having faith requires coordinating action. James 2:17-18 says, In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity. Someone might claim, “ You have faith and I have action. ” But how can I see your faith apart from your actions? Instead, I’ll show you my faith by putting it into practice in faithful action. (Common English Bible)
Is your faith aimed correctly? If not, there is no time like the present to readjust it.
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Photo Credit: Morguefile
Crystal Mary says
12 December, 2011 at 12:38 amI have a strong faith in God and nothing can waver it. Thank you for what you wrote today,,,I was healed of a heart problem, so now I get joy out of telling everyone.
xxx
Farming On Faith says
12 December, 2011 at 2:15 amWhat a great devotion~ I too will use your sermon this week.
Mine was on longsuffering ~ still pondering on it!
God is good~ enjoyed my visit!
welcome to my world of poetry says
12 December, 2011 at 2:56 amA most devoted post Wanda, pleasure to read.
Yvonne.
Betty Alark says
12 December, 2011 at 7:29 amYou have a very beautiful blog, Wanda!
I'm sure I'll return!!
Have a blessed day!!
May you be blessed with a heart to keep writing and sharing!!
Jen says
12 December, 2011 at 7:39 amWhat a simple, fabulous way to remember some very key points about faith!
BLUEBUTTERFLY says
12 December, 2011 at 8:31 amWow, Wanda. So on target. Whether it's a slingshot, a dart or a sword, aimlessness is dangerous in battle…in life. It's time to readjust and focus.
Jennifer @ GettingDownWithJesus.com says
12 December, 2011 at 9:09 amI am in constant need of readjustment. Thanks be to God, He guides these steps. Great is His faithfulness.
Nice to "meet" you. I'm your newest follower. 🙂
Joanne Sher says
12 December, 2011 at 9:11 amThis is a great reminder, Wanda! I tend to aim incorrectly as well. Will definitely be using these steps!
Kim @ Stuff could... says
12 December, 2011 at 10:16 amI never played darts at home either?? Yes our faith darts go awry sometimes
Lisa says
12 December, 2011 at 10:33 amWe must be careful where we AIM our faith – great encouragement, Wanda!
Many blessings!
joan says
12 December, 2011 at 2:24 pmLove this post.
Just what I needed today. I am convicted indeed.
Denise says
12 December, 2011 at 5:55 pmNice post.
Michelle DeRusha@Graceful says
12 December, 2011 at 8:37 pmWanda, I am so grateful you linked up at Graceful this week! It's truly wonderful to meet you here, and I am so glad to have read this post tonight. You speak right to my heart (and I love your concrete AIM method for keeping on track).
Ella says
12 December, 2011 at 9:09 pmWonderful post! I need to work on my aim~ Thank you for the reminder~
Arlee Bird says
13 December, 2011 at 12:33 amWe often had dart boards in our house when I was a teenager and on. And there were holes in the wall all around where the dart boards were placed. There was a lot of bad aiming going on.
Of late my aim has been wavering. I frequently get distracted by worldly concerns and my faith gets shaken.
Lee
Linda Hoye talks about adoption and writing memoirs on
Wrote By Rote
Alida says
13 December, 2011 at 12:36 amLove the acronym…easy to remember and yet, powerful!
Denise says
13 December, 2011 at 4:19 amGreat analogy Wanda; we have a dart board in the house for the kids and I will remember your post whenever the darts come out! 🙂 A nice reminder to keep our aim focused and on track.
Blessings and hugs,
Denise
Amydeanne says
13 December, 2011 at 7:21 pmlove the acronoym!
Kimberly says
13 December, 2011 at 11:21 pmWhat a great reminder. Thank you!
Nungari M. says
14 December, 2011 at 8:23 am"so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power: I Cor 2:5…
I liked this, very profound, thanks for sharing….a good reminder.