“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:17
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New beginnings. Those two words can spark excitement or trepidation, or perhaps a mix of the two. New beginnings stem from life-changing events, from the calendar or from a change of season — personally, professionally, relationally.
In sports, a new season comes every year. Ask any coach or player, each season is different both in the faces that make up the roster and the games that fill out the schedule. There is a uniqueness of a team that doesn’t carry over to the next season. Yet, there are core principles, beliefs and characteristics that create what is often referred to as “culture.” Culture has the ability to transcend seasons — whether in an organization or in home life.
In your new seasons, where do you turn regardless of what a day brings? What is the culture you are cultivating in your life and home? Win, loss, challenge, triumph, frustration, exuberance — what is the belief that carries you?
Jesus calls on us to believe in Him and hold on to faith: “… Jesus told them. ‘I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible’” (Matthew 17:20, NLT)
If your little belief can move mountains, imagine if you grew your faith even stronger. Spiritual growth requires that we practice our faith. It’s not merrily donning a hoodie declaring our belief. It is a daily ride in tandem with Jesus.
Belief and practice in tandem. Picture a tandem bicycle, it’s built for two. The way we are designed to travel through life is in the company of Jesus. He is on that bicycle with each of us, able and ready to pedal, hopeful for our participation. Jesus doesn’t want us to stay static; He wants us to move and grow with Him.
Sometimes our path in God’s will is not always aligned with our path of personal will. He will work all things together for our good, but that means relinquishing control and trusting Him. At time our ride is a coast with a beautiful breeze. Other times it’s a grind upward without a summit in sight. Trust that He is with you, pedaling in tandem alongside you, whatever the road may bring.
— Jade McCarthy, host of Sports Spectrum’s “Transformed” podcast
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