TRAMPOLINE FAITH

We often have a sense of the negative when we read God’s Word. When God speaks about finances, morals and values, commitment and relationships … something in us slightly RESISTS. Like, if you follow GOD, there must be a downside somewhere. It’s going to mean I have to let God CHANGE some things – and I really have my life kind of SET, so … if I can fit it all into what I’m doing right NOW, then I’ll consider it.

We approach what God says about a lot of things with sense of negativity. Something is going to have to be given up that I love very much if I take His road – it’s going to take me DOWN.
But … what if God is really like a trampoline? What if what we sometimes view as a DOWN-SIDE to the Gospel is only there for us to gain MOMENTUM – because ultimately, He’s going to lift us up and make us soar … if we put our FAITH in Him and LISTEN to Him and follow His VOICE?

Jesus says: “You don’t have to walk your journey in the dark. I have a VOICE. Listen to it. Bow to My voice." And the more you listen to His voice, the more you hear His voice. But the more you resist His voice, the more distant it gets … the more difficult it is to dial in – because the WORLD has a voice too. THEY’RE talking to us as well.

The WORLD is talking to you about marriage.

God’s voice says ‘Put your marriage partner’s needs above your own needs – learn to fight FOR each other, not AGAINST each other.'
The WORLD says: ‘Serve one another? Are you foolish? Don’t do that! You’re going to get taken advantage of. You’re going to get hurt. Fight for yourself – get what’s COMING to you no matter what – if they don’t meet your NEEDS, DUMP them – move ON.’
But GOD says: “No, no, no – listen to MY voice. It’s about MUTUAL VOLUNTARY SUBMISSION in your marriage.
Whose voice are you listening to?

The WORLD is talking to you about your money?

Even in these economically depressed times, God says, “All that belongs to ME – I'm just LOANING it to you. So HONOR Me with the first fruits. Acknowledge Me in this area of your life – make Me the carrier of your finances – come under My umbrella of provision.”
But the WORLD says: ‘You're kidding, right?! You're going to HONOR GOD in this economy? NO! You have to accumulate, you have to keep, not GIVE STUFF AWAY. How NAÏVE can you be?’
Because the world only sees us landing on cement, but we know because of God’s faithfulness, that it’s REALLY a trampoline and all we’re doing is gaining momentum – because God is going to be true to us in the area of money. He PROMISED He would supply all our needs.

How about in our jobs and careers?

The WORLD says: “It’s about YOU. Besides, your business has nothing to do with God. There are different principles in business than in spirituality. Let 'spirit' be the weekend stuff, but don't bring that in Monday thru Friday. Because if you follow God in your business, you're going to go "SPLAT!" right on the cement.”

But GOD’S voice says: ‘Work for ME.’ In other words, your business – your job – is Kingdom activity. God's voice says, "Follow Me 24/7 - not just on Sundays - but EVERY day in your business and career."

You can’t figure out what’s bad and what’s good because God has His children who put their FAITH in Him and who are listening to the VOICE of the Holy Spirit – He has them landing on trampolines all the time. And whenever it looks BAD – all you’re REALLY doing is re-loading for another LIFT – in order to SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE.

I know why the world thinks we’re a little weird. they observe you listening to a voice you cannot hear – talking to a God you cannot see – giving your life to a cause you cannot control – sacrificing here on earth in order to sow in heaven – giving yourself away to gain later – dying to yourself in order to live – serving to be great.

But that IS who we are … because we know with GOD we are always landing on trampolines. And every promise of God will UTLIMATELY show that the HOLY SPIRIT’S INTENTION is that you SOAR.

Isaiah 40:29 – 31 … “God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall (going DOWN); but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (going UP) (NIV)

Get on the TRAMPOLINE. It's a blast.

And be blessed.