real

A close friend was the victim of a home invasion last year while her husband was at work and she was in the house with her 2-year-old. The intruder broke in through a downstairs window, rummaged through a few things on the first floor then walked upstairs to lock eyes with my friend and her daughter who calmly asked, "Mommy, who is that?" It was only about 7 feet of space that separated my friend from a complete stranger in her own home. After a quick but intense mutual stare, the intruder scurried back down the stairs and out the front door. I got word of what happened and took action right away. Sad to say I jumped right into the arms of fear. "You've gotta move to a new neighborhood. Houses are for sale in my subdivision...I'll start making calls..." I thought I was helping them, but I was only parading my lack of faith. Yes I acknowledged God's grace. The situation could have been much worse. The intruder didn't get physical or violent; instead, he fled. But because my faith was a no-show, I couldn't inspire faith in my friend. In an instant without flinching, I adamantly suggested they uproot the family and essentially "run" because the intruder could return to finish business. While I spewed faith-void opinions, my friend's neighbor stepped forth to deposit this more sound advice: "Here's where you prove what you say you believe. Your faith in God must now become more than words. Is it your reality?" That question ended up shaking me out of my foolishness. Even though it was my friend's experience, the whole ordeal felt just as scary for me. I lost sleep over it before finally realizing I needed the wake-up call. Spiritually, I wasn't where I thought I was. It was emotionally challenging for them, but my friends decided to focus on moving the family forward. They embraced the small miracle that no one was hurt, repaired their window, installed an alarm system and continued on with their lives...stronger, more thankful and certainly more faithful. It's cool to be faith-filled when things are going good. But in the greatest time of need, what is your reality: Faith or fear? "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith." (2 Corinthians 13:5) Thursday, July 09, 2009 What Is Your Reality? – by Lisa Birch