Last month we looked at the great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11, who lived in faith in the promises of God, and whose faith was tested in very real ways as they walked it out. In our monthly meeting for marketplace ministers in Maidstone, we are walking out our call into the marketplace together, standing in faith with each other and being encouraged as we hear testimonies of what God is doing. As we do so, and as we apply God’s word, it is clear that achieving our marketplace dreams is a matter of both faith and works.
We have a very practical gospel! We know from James 2, that faith without works is dead. As James says, it is no use us saying to a brother or sister in need, “go in peace, be warm and filled” if we do not do something to provide what they need. We cannot simply say that we are trusting God to provide for the poor, and not be willing to get involved in that provision ourselves.
So also, when it comes to the dream God puts on our hearts, we must be prepared to get our hands dirty and go out and pursue it, in faith. We act, because of the faith we have, as James says. Our dream is not achieved merely in our own strength, yet we must believe that God will use us to achieve it.
Consider David, who had been anointed by Samuel as the King of Israel, yet served as a shepherd. David held the dream of God’s call on him in his heart, even though his circumstances did not look promising. His brothers did not share his dream, when they went to battle and were among the Israelite army that stood petrified before Goliath the giant.
God had already equipped David for the battle with Goliath, through the years in the field looking after his father’s sheep. And we know from God’s word that David was full of the Spirit of the Lord (1 Sam 16:13). Yet he still had to make the decision to step out in faith and stand before Goliath, something that nobody else in the whole Israelite army was prepared to do. And when David carried out this very practical act of stepping forward, trusting the Lord, God worked a miracle.
When David stepped out in God’s power, God worked a miracle.
David operated in the context of a vision he carried in his heart that was bigger than the circumstances he found himself in. He had no doubt in his mind about how this battle would end if he stepped out in faith. We too must step out into the thing that we’re dreaming for, if we are to see our marketplace dream fulfilled.
Stepping out in faith really does mean doing just that: stepping out. It is not enough for us to sit at home and pray about it. Jesus spent intense time with his Father, but he also walked out, step by step, the full path to achieve the purpose for which He was sent. And as he walked it out, God the Father’s purpose was achieved. It is the same with us.
Practically, how do we do this? Firstly, be clear about the vision. When we met as Marketplace Ministers this month, we shared with each other our marketplace dreams. If you were not with us, I encourage you to identify the dream God has put on your heart and to share it with another believer who will stand in faith with you.
Secondly, we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, by faith. I believe that it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to integrate faith & works effectively. Allow the Spirit’s leading to guide you.
So do not allow your dream to be about faith alone, without works. What actions do you need to take; what are the next steps? If you do not know, seek God. Expect to walk it out in the power of the Holy Spirit, and ask God to show you how. Then take action!
Marketplace Ministers is a group of Christians who are based in marketplace roles (including in the workplace, business, government, education, and healthcare). We meet in Maidstone on the third Tuesday evening of each month, to hear from God and walk out our calling together in faith. If you are in a church congregation in or near Maidstone you would be welcome to come along too – get in touch to find out more.
