“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” 
Hebrews 11:1

“So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 
2 Corinthians 4:18

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In 1991, the Soviet Union officially dissolved. After almost 70 years of absolute power and devotion to atheism, who would ever have imagined that Russian leaders would request for someone to equip their public-school teachers to educate children in the Bible and specifically the life of Jesus Christ? I’m guessing God was the only one not surprised when that is exactly what happened.

But how had that happened? God had simply given the Director of The Jesus Film Project a desire and plan. When the film was successfully dubbed into Russian, their government leaders were invited to the premiere showing. Wait, what? Why would communist leaders even accept such an invitation? How much would such an endeavor cost? Who would have enough faith to make the financial investment necessary to support such a crazy idea? Apparently enough Jesus followers to fund the entire project. And as a result, God moved in the hearts of government officials to make such an unexpected request.

This is just one example of our God taking the faithfulness of his people and doing “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Eph 3:20). In fact, dare I say that God has a habit of giving his children unconventional ideas? And for those who believe Him enough to do as He asks, they get to be a part of the unbelievable results. Hebrews 11 recounts the names of his faithful followers who did as He asked, even when they were surrounded by naysayers and impossibilities. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him” (emphasis added). 

Sometimes, God asks us to do radical things, like giving up our careers in exchange for professional ministry. At other times, He invites us to a not as radical but just as important task like initiating with that unknown neighbor or coworker. In whatever situation, all we need to do is listen for God’s voice and do as He asks us to do. Then oh, what wonderful adventures we get to have with God!

Next Steps

1. Pray, Lord, I want to live the full and satisfying life that you invite me into. I want you to be used to bring your will and presence to the people in my life. Give me the ability to hear you, the faith to trust you, and the courage to do the big and the small steps you are asking me to do. Amen
2. Memorize Hebrews 11:1, 11:6, and 2 Corinthians 4:18. Think about them as you go about your day.
3. Have a conversation with God and ask him, “Is there anything you want me to do that I’m not already doing?”