When we were in New Hampshire in 2001, I frustrated many a driver as I walked to the curb and stopped to look around. You see, in New Hampshire there is a law that drivers must stop for pedestrians.
Ignorance causes a lot of confusion. I was knowledgeable of the law, but ignorant of where I was going. My stopping at the curb to look around could not be helped. The drivers, on the other hand, were ignorant of my ignorance.
Judging by all the horn blowing, I’d have to say that neither of us thought ignorance was bliss.
If I had been armed with more knowledge of the area, I would have known the truth about what was waiting for me around the corner. When it came to riding around in the area, I had a wonderful guide. She was the wife of a man my husband knew. She volunteered her time to show me around.
Three main reasons believers stumble in their walk with the Lord is because of their lack of knowledge of the Bible, their lack of relationship with the Lord, and their lack of faith.
Believers sometimes stumble simply because they do not know of a passage of scripture in the Bible that has the answer they need. Stopping on the corner to look around at the unknown was frustrating. Living without the knowledge that God intended for you to have is also frustrating. We need to spend more time in the Word.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1 Peter 2:2
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:13-14
Believers sometimes stumble because they do not have a relationship with Jesus. My guide in New Hampshire knew what was in the area and had all the answers to where I wanted to go. In life, Jesus has the answers to where we need to go.
Believers sometimes stumble because of a lack of faith. When that wonderful lady acted as my guide, I had to trust her enough to let her be my guide. When we depend on Jesus, He will open and shut doors of opportunity for us. We win when we trust Jesus enough to let Him make the decisions for us.
And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Luke 17:5
If the apostles – who could see and touch Jesus – needed a little more faith, surely we could all use a little more faith.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 1:3
Today’s challenge is to spend more time with Jesus. Spend more time in the Word, and spend more time building your faith. Pray about that challenge the Lord has put before you. Ask God what He wants you to do, and then boldly step out in faith. While you are asking for yourself, please remember those that are young in the faith, and pray for them to have more faith. Ask God to show you how you can be an encouragement to them.