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FAITH.007
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1992-10-03
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FAITH PRINCIPLES No.7.
THE RHYTHM OF FAITH
1. RHYTHM RELEASES ENERGY
It is not possible to be effective in faith on a stop-go
basis. Once having committed yourself to a faith approach to
your Christian experience, you must continue in that way.
Our faith is an ongoing thing. There is no way that we can
stop our faith & expect it to be effective when we try to
start it again.
Romans 1:17 says, "the just shall LIVE by faith". It is all
day, every day, and every need and problem must be dealt with
in a faith way. it is actually possible to so develop a
"habit" of faith in God that a rhythm or momentum of faith is
actually produced.
Rhythm is important to the long distance runner and if
properly established can help him to use his energy
effectively rather than inefficiently. In fact correct rhythm
will make it easier to run. The studies of C. Richard Taylor
and Norman Hegland at Harvard University museum of Comparative
Zoology showed that the locomotion of all vertebrates can be
described as the movement of either a spring or pendulum. A
joggers legs & body converts the shock of thumping down onto
the ground into an upward push. Between 20 and 70 percent of
the energy is stored and then recovered for the next step.
when people walk, energy from one step helps to power the next
step, but this must be at their natural frequency. If they
stop or walk more slowly than their natural pace, they don't
make full use of their momentum."
2. EXAMPLES OF THE RHYTHM OF FAITH
This effect is observable in the life of faith. Each
challenge faced and victory won also provides an energy or
momentum for the next challenge. Each new step in God is part
of the last step and also the beginning of the next step.
This is similar to the launching of a three stage rocket. The
momentum of the first stage is.imparted to the second stage
before that stage ignites. It, in turn, imparts its momentum
to the third stage before it is ignited and ultimately
achieves orbital velocity.
A. 1 Kings 17 & 18 is a classic example of the rhythm of
faith in the life of Elijah.
a) Prayed for drought and declared it to Ahab
b) Supernatural provision at Brook Cherith
c) miracle of supply at house of widow of Zarephath
d) Raising the widow's son from the dead
e) Calling fire from heaven at Mount Carmel
f) Breaking the drought through prayer
g) Outrunning Ahab's chariot.
Elijah's faith progressed from one level to another, each
challenge providing the momentum for the next demand on
his faith until he was " running faster than he could
run" - 18:46.
After this tremendous progression of faith Elijah "broke
step" through fear of Jezebel's death sentence on him and
he fled. Elijah never
∙ A. Cont. .
recovered the same rhythm of faith and shortly afterward was
told by
God to anoint Elisha to replace him as prophet.
B. Israel "broke step" at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 13) and it took
38 years to recover the rhythm of faith. in fact that
generation never did recover it. Caleb and Joshua who did not
break step with the rest of the people went from strength to
strength and accomplished great things though now in advanced
years. Joshua 14:6-15.
C. Joash stopped "too soon" in striking the arrows of deliverance
and angered Elisha and missed his miracle dimension. Through
embarrassment, exasperation or a lack of spiritual insight and
obedience, he broke the rhythm of faith. 2 Kings 13.
D. The Galatian Christians broke step by putting their faith in
Christ aside and reverting to keeping the Law - Gal. 5:7.
3. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RHYTHM OF FAITH
A. The run of faith is often demanding and sometimes physically
and mentally exhausting. Is. 40:31 lists "waiting on the
Lord" as a prime prerequisite for a successful run. New
energy is imparted from our devotional relationship with the
Lord.
B. The run of faith is something the Lord has specifically
ordered for us and is not a presumptuous program of our own.
Jer. 23:21 says, "I sent not these prophets, yet they ran".
The secret of success is to seek Him for His clear plans.
"Draw me and we will run after thee" - S.O.S. 1:4.
C. Out of that devotional relationship where both strength and
specific guidance comes will also emerge a clear vision. Hab.
2:2 - "Write the vision and make it plain that he may run that
readeth". A true run of faith depends totally on a clear
vision for God.
D. Paul said that he did not run uncertainly, 1 Cor. 9:26. He
ran with both purpose and personal discipline that nothing
would break his rhythm (v 27). It is important to have a goal
and to go after it with all the energy you can muster. Verse
24 - "run that you may obtain". Israel in the days of the
Judges was "sidetracked" and lost sight of the goal of total
victory in Canaan. Judges 5:6.
E. The run of faith is a long run and never a short sprint. This
is the marathon event. It must be run with patience. Heb.
12:1.
F. In it all it must be remembered that even our experience in
the run of faith is not sufficient to bring a victory. God's
power and grace is the key factor. Rom. 9:16 - "So, then, it
is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of
God that showeth mercy."