A real faith

I was talking to a friend one day who said, “I asked Jesus in to my life but nothing happened”. As a result, he had given up on the idea of being a Christian. So, I asked him what he did after he had prayed asking Jesus into his life. I also asked him what he expected to happen as a result of his prayer. He said that he thought he would somehow “feel different”, but nothing had changed. This is a common misunderstanding of what it means to become a follower of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps, it is because Christians often emphasise dramatic conversion experiences. It is common to hear stories about people who have turned from violence, drugs etc. The apostle Paul who was dramatically changed when Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light is another example. While it is true that Jesus does make a difference to people’s lives, the way that this occurs can vary. For some people a sudden change does take place.

However, for other people there is a growing awareness of the presence and reality of Jesus. The story of two people walking along on the road to Emmaus is an example of this. (Luke 24:13-35) The risen Lord Jesus began to walk with them but they did not recognise him. He asked them thought provoking questions. He explained the teaching of the Bible to them. Finally, he shared a meal with them and their “eyes were opened” and their “hearts warmed”.

Whether our faith in Jesus comes suddenly or slowly it needs to be expressed in some way. We will not see changes in our lives or know the fullness of a relationship with Jesus Christ until we express our trust in God by doing something about it. This includes a trusting surrender to God of the things that are important to us. James uses the example of Abraham to illustrate this point:

^“Does some stupid person want proof that faith without deeds is useless? ^21 Well, our ancestor Abraham pleased God by putting his son Isaac on the altar to sacrifice him. ^22 Now you see how Abraham’s faith and deeds worked together. He proved that his faith was real by what he did. ^23 This is what the Scriptures mean by saying, ‘Abraham had faith in God, and God was pleased with him.’ That’s how Abraham became God’s friend.^” (James 2:20-23 CEV)

Abraham had waited a lifetime for a son of his own. Now, it seemed that God was asking him to give up that which was most precious to him. His willingness to do this showed that he really trusted God, even believing that God could bring Isaac back to life. (Genesis 22, Hebrews 1:17-19)

Have you tried Christianity but found that “nothing changed”? How are you expressing your faith in God and living it out? Is there something or someone that God is calling you to surrender to him?