Faith before feelings

A good friend once used the illustration of what he referred to as, “The Faith Train.” He pointed out that our faith is the engine, fed by the coal car of facts and followed by the caboose of feelings.

When we let our feelings, or emotions, be the engine (as I recently did) we are misled and do not allow God to work. Sometimes it is because we are over anxious and unwilling to wait for God’s timing, sometimes we are misled by our feelings. But regardless of the reason, we must allow God and the Holy Spirit to do Their work, and not attempt to “short circuit” God, or attempt in the flesh to do the work of the Holy Spirit.

When we see a perceived injustice we may be moved to try to rectify the situation before allowing God in His perfect timing, to accomplish His purpose (which often we do not understand. - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways.” Isaiah 55:8,9)

In my own case the error was caused by pride, arrogance and a sense of self righteousness. These are particularly dangerous sins, since, when we are self-righteous we are by definition “Believing that your own actions are right and other people’s are wrong.” We - thinking ourselves right - are unable to ask forgiveness for a sin we have not yet recognized we have committed.

Yet as Christians we have the Holy Spirit to show us our error. God be praised. Only then does God begin His great work of restoration. Whether by the Spirit or by someone coming to us and lovingly pointing to our sin as is called for in Matthew 18:15-17, “If your brother or sister sins against you go and point out their fault....” Or in Matthew 5:23,24 “Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

God’s directions are detailed, His plan comprehensive and His Spirit given to awaken us, assure us, guide us and encourage us.

Sin opens the door for Satan. Yet Paul in his letter to the Ephesians says this, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen.”