Living by Faith: In Evil Days and Good Days, for Myself and for OthersSample

Simple Acts--Radical Faith

“Now when Daniel knew that the law was signed, he went home.  And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days…"

It is interesting how one simple act of faith in a certain context can seem menial, but the same act in a different context can be a blood-pumping adrenaline kicking leap of faith. Such is the situation Daniel found himself in as he knelt down to pray by the window—like any other day.  

My whole life I have made it a point to read my Bible in public—coffee shops and other public social spaces—because, like Daniel, I believe faith is personal but not private, and there is much value in being one’s self in every space you live.  

After being in a place where faith in Jesus is illegal and dangerous, I longed for my city where it is religiously free, diverse, and stable. But while out of my familiar comfort zone, questions started playing in my mind.  

“Should I still pray before a meal? Do I bring my bible with me to the cafe as usual or leave it behind? Am I protected from an ancient law in a modern world? What could they do to me? Am I the only Christian they have met? What will they say? Will it close doors that have just been opened to me?” What happened to me? A seemingly harmless tradition like praying before the meal became a radical declaration of faith in my soul just because I went out of my comfort zone.  

Let us be grateful that a shift in context can test the authenticity of tradition, cleanse a motive, and reintroduce one’s self to old convictions.  

 

Life Application

Do yourself a favor and live a deeply held conviction in a new context. Take your faith routine out of its comfort zone and into uncomfortable spaces. See what new action and life it ignites in your heart.  

 

Prayer

God, I give you access to re-write and ignite and re-enforce principles I have lived by. May my actions have integrity no matter who is watching and no matter where I am.