Each of us needs to appreciate our own uniqueness, since each of us has been made in a unique way by the Father. That uniqueness means that we are to have a unique relationship with Him, and it is one that is not meant to be duplicated by another. Because of that uniqueness, our walk of faith is to also to be different from that of others. Though there may be similarities, no two journeys are the same. While the principles found in Scripture are universal; gifts, callings, ministries, and destinations in life differ. For example, while there are a number of teachers in the Body of Christ, styles and emphasis will differ. Two could teach identical subjects, using identical scriptures, but their delivery will differ one from the other. This is because each of their personalities, life experiences, and specific callings are different from the other.
For some, there is a problem of not being content with what they have and how God made them. Furthermore, some become covetous of other people’s gifting. They envy their relationship they have with the Lord, and are jealous of their ministries. They simply want what they have. Consequently, they will try to emulate others in order to get what they have. Even if they succeed in gaining what they think they want, they will still be discontent, and the relationship they are meant to have with the Lord will not exist. We all must understand that just because one’s relationship is different from someone else’s, it doe not make it better; it just is. The only time one’s relationship is better than another’s is when that other does not have one. How does this interfere with faith?
Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” While initially we all had to hear to receive faith in order to receive Jesus Christ, hearing is also a prerequisite for doing works of faith. We need to hear in order to act if it is to be an act of faith. In other words, first comes the Word, then the hearing which includes the intent to conform to the desire of the Lord, then comes the action on our part, even if it is just waiting on Him. We have to have a relationship if we are going to hear. Secondly, we have to be willing to listen to what the Lord has to day if we are going to truly hear. If I want what I want, regardless of God’s perfect will, I am not going to hear Him very clearly to say the least. If I think my calling is somehow less important than another is, I am not going to want to receive the instruction necessary to accomplish my true destiny that the Lord has in mind. If I am refusing God’s will for my life, I am in rebellion, not walking by faith.
Walking by faith boils down to one thing: relationship. It means spending time with the Lord. Everything we do should be the result of our relationship with God. Even our prayer should be a byproduct of the relationship. It is not the relationship in of itself. Sometimes we need to simply sit quietly in His presence, and listen to what is on His heart. Yes, part of the relationship includes our expressing what is on ours; however, what is more important is the Father’s heart. By waiting quietly, He is able to lead us by His Spirit in the way to pray over what is on our hearts according to His perfect will. One of the reasons people have difficulty with faith is because they fail to fully enter into that relationship. Remember, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalms 91:1, KJV).
