But that doesn't make any sense!

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "Body Building?" This entire series we are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  
You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
We defined faith by using a quote from Pastor Andy Stanley, "Faith is simply believing God is who He says He is and that He will always do what He says He will do." To me this principle and reality is best illustrated from the Old Testament.

When Israel was in the wilderness and preparing for the promise land, God gave them many instructions and commandments. All of them required faith that as they did their part, God was going to come through on His.

God told Israel that when they planted fruit trees in the promise land, to leave the fruit unharvested for the first three years. He also commanded them not to eat it. WHAT? What do you mean God, don't eat it? What do you mean don't harvest? Then God continues to stretch their faith...

Leviticus 19:24-25—In the fourth year the entire crop must be consecrated to the Lord as a celebration of praise. Finally, in the fifth year you may eat the fruit. If you follow this pattern, your harvest will increase. I am the Lord your God.

So if not eating or harvesting the crops the first 3 years was tough, then He asks Israel to consecrate the 4th years harvest completely to Him. They were not to use it for themselves at all. Then in the 5th year, they were allowed to eat it for themselves. He wanted them to by faith, trust Him with the first 4 years of harvest from every fruit tree planted.

I love what God says at the end of that passage; "If you follow this pattern, your harvest will increase." God is saying if you trust me and obey me then I will bless you and your harvest will increase. But in order to get to the "increased harvest" they had to by faith not touch the crops for the first 3 years and then consecrate year 4 totally to the Lord.

We all want to be blessed and we all want our lives to be increased. We want increased finances, favor, healthy relationships, and physical health. However, God has given us specific commands and principles in the Bible that He calls us to follow and obey. Guess what? They all require faith! Simply believing that God is who He says He is and that He will always do what He says He will do. We are called to be people of faith. Not blindly living our lives but simply trusting that God is who He says HE is and that HE will do what He says He will do.

What faith step do you need to take right now? This week? This month? You can trust Him?