It seems like everyone I know is just returning from vacation, is on vacation or preparing for vacation. The office staff at church is pretty slim. A lot of my friends aren’t available for get-togethers. Seems like the pace of summer has slowed to the laziness it deserves.

And yet, there are a group of ladies who have carved out a few hours each week to be part of a summer Bible study. How excited I was when 36 ladies signed up for the study! In the summer? That’s pretty great! I know there will be weeks when the numbers don’t reflect the sign-ups, but let me tell you, it’s exciting to see women who desire to be in God’s Word all the time. Regardless of the season.

We just finished our discussion on Rahab and are moving into two weeks of looking into Mary’s (the mother of Jesus) life. What a contrast between these two ladies, but the commonality between them and ladies (and men) today is that they believed, had faith and trusted in God. They also share in the fact and promise that God will use anyone who has an open heart to His plan. Even people who would probably not be our first choice.

Rahab’s faith in God and trust in two young spies has allowed us to ponder our own lives. “Would I have been the one to hide the spies?” “Would I have believed in God as deeply as Rahab?” “Would I have been able to stand against the beliefs of my family and neighbors?” “Would I have been able to hold my ground?”

I don’t know.

Mary’s love for God and her desire to live out the plan He lay before her was pretty remarkable as well. And it again causes us to think about what we would have done if we were told this plan. “Would I have believed?” “Would I be able to withstand the jeers and taunts of those around me?” “Would I have been so willing to go through with the plan?”

Again, I don’t know.

What I do know is that every day I have the opportunity to make choices in regard to my faith. “Am I willing to be a useful vessel in God’s Kingdom?” “How far am I willing to take my faith?” “Will I obey God’s promptings?” “What do I need to rid from my life in order to live a life of faith?”

Do you recall the woman with a bleeding disorder in Mark 5? She had been suffering for twelve years. She had used all of her money seeking medical healing and yet, she continued to grow worse.

And then she encountered Jesus. When Jesus felt the power leave Him, He didn’t mention the fact that it was a woman who touched Him. Jesus didn’t mention that she was unclean. Jesus didn’t mention the inappropriateness of the situation. Instead, Jesus mentioned her faith.

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34 – NIV)

That’s the kind of faith I want to have. Rahab’s faith. Mary’s faith. The woman who met Jesus in a crowd’s faith.

Perhaps I’ve been asking the wrong questions. Perhaps I’ve been answering these questions with the wrong answers. Perhaps I should just have faith and believe, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” (Mark 5:28 – NIV)

Maybe your faith needs to be stretched today as well.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna