As a pastor, I often get told that this "faith thing" can be kind of hard. And for lots of different reasons. I fully realize that. I have those same feelings from time to time. For instance, when God tells me to trust Him for something, some provision. I fully want to believe Him. I do...I think. Then I start questioning what my role is to be in the process. If God is providing, do I sit back and watch or is there some effort He would require as my part in the journey?

I bet some of you have been there (are there) too, learning to walk that fine line between complete faith in God and complete trust in yourself.

I am learning from Scripture that there is NEVER a time where God says that He will do all the work, we should just sit back and relax.

God opened the Red Sea but the Hebrew people still had to walk through it.
God told Noah it would rain; he still had to build the boat.
God told David that He would deliver him from Goliath; David still had to find the rock, place it in the sling and take down the giant.
God brought food to the wandering Hebrews; they still had to collect it.
He provided the world a Savior. We still must put our faith into following Him.

So, what does that mean in practical terms? I don't have giants to slay or arks to build or seas to cross. But I do have a family to provide for, kids to raise, a wife to love and a church to grow. God has told me clearly that He will provide in all these instances. There is, however, a part I must play. The trick is learning to do my part without taking His part out of His hands.

Here's the key: intimacy. That's right. Communication. My wife and I don't get along without it. My kids fight me all day long without it. My church falls into chaos without it. And God...He desires it. He wants to hear from me every day and, in learning His voice, I learn my part. I know what it is He is seeking. I know what it is that I should be doing. Through knowing His voice, this "faith thing" becomes easier.