As long as we rely on the approval of others, God’s limited in what He can do through us. Having faith often means we’ll look foolish, irrational or illogical to the world. Think of how some of the most faithful biblical characters would have appeared from the world’s perspective. Noah would’ve looked foolish building a boat in the middle of the desert. 90-year-old Sarah would’ve looked foolish believing she could have a baby. Moses would’ve looked foolish asking Pharaoh to let his slaves go. The Israelite army would’ve looked ridiculous marching round Jericho blowing trumpets. David would’ve looked silly attacking Goliath with just a slingshot. Peter would’ve looked irresponsible stepping out of a boat in the middle of a storm. And to those who didn’t understand, it made no sense for Jesus to be hanging half naked on the cross. But the results speak for themselves. Noah survived the flood. Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Moses delivered Israel out of Egypt. The walls of Jericho were destroyed. David defeated Goliath. Peter walked on water. And Jesus rose from the dead and bought our salvation. There comes a point when we must stop listening to the world, and listen to God instead, even if it doesn’t make sense to us or makes us look ridiculous. We need to step out in faith, obeying God and acting as if He’s already answered our prayers. Jesus said, ‘Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours’ (Mark 11:24 NIV). Obeying God may mean we look foolish and illogical to the rest of the world, but actually it’s the most sensible and logical thing we could possibly do. The world doesn’t know best. God does.

What now?

Has God been asking you to do something, but you’ve hesitated because of what others might think of you? Spend time praying that your faith and confidence in Him would increase, and that you wouldn’t be influenced the world.