Reckless Faith

I don't know how the sound of the words Reckless Faith sound to you.  Scary, unclear, heretical, thrilling?  I just got through reading this book by Beth Guckenberger and must say that it has struck a concert's worth of cords in in me.  

Beth Guckenberger uses the term Reckless Faith to refer to the kind of faith in the Living God that causes people to step out on a limb, or back up against a wall, or head toward the unknown because of the trust they have in the Lord and His plan for their lives.  

Another author, John McArthur (whom I haven't read yet) uses the same term to refer to the problem of Christians abandoning Scriptural doctrine in favor of feel-good faith experiences.  That is not what I am talking about.  I am talking about Beth's Reckless Faith that clears the way for Christ to show up and work out his sovereign plan in situations where (without taking the risk of trusting the unseen) I might have gotten in the way of God's plan.

I think I have that kind of faith in my mind.  Yeah, maybe it's even in my heart, but I'm not sure how often it actually informs my actions.  Intentions are easy, but actions are a different story sometimes.  I can easily say that we feel called to live abroad as servants to God's people in South America (or somewhere).  I can just as easily say that, "now is not the time."  After the kids come home, after the grant that pays my salary runs out, after the building is built.  I'm afraid we'll get stuck waiting for the right moment... and miss it.  We don't want to, but what if we're not focused in enough to hear His voice?

We had a great time eating lunch at church on Sunday with some new friends.  Justin, who works with James has been a great encouragement to him because of his faith in Christ and a similar call to do more for Christ through architecture.  Neither architecture nor education, nor any other noble calling can solve the problem of sin in the world.  We can minister to the broken from wherever God calls us to be, but only He can heal us and make us whole.  

Justin's friend Dave works with ChildReach Ministries and is designing and building an orphanage in Peru now that he's done with Architecture school.  We were so encouraged by these two Christians with Reckless Faith.  

Where will God take us next?  What will we discover in Brazil with our children?  We are so sure that he has big plans for our family and bringing home our children and beginning to grow together as a family are only the beginning.  It's seemed like an end for so long, but it truly will be a new beginning for all 4 of us.