December 4, 2019
God honors the faith of each of His children; however, some people have faith that seems to be more “noisy” than others. I say that with respect and reverence, because I admire people whose faith is known globally – like Corrie Ten Boom, Billy Graham and Joni Eareckson Tada. The sound of their faith life is heard to the ends of the planet.
I have been pondering the significant influence of people whose faith seems more quiet. Consider Mary and Joseph in the Christmas story. During their lifetime, they were hardly known beyond the cities of Nazareth, Bethlehem and perhaps Jerusalem. Today their influence extends worldwide, but during their days on Planet Earth, few paid attention to their significance.
Mary grew up in very humble surroundings. Her response to the announcement of the angel that she would give birth to Messiah Jesus shows a life dedicated to God and a willingness to be used by Him however He desired. You never see her seeking the attention of people. Her faith was seen in quiet submission, with amazing impact. Try to imagine the Christmas story without Mary – impossible!
Joseph was a humble carpenter with little material wealth. When he and Mary went to Jerusalem to dedicate baby Jesus, they could only afford small birds for the required offering. They likely had plans for a quiet life together, but God’s assignment for them changed everything. Today, we are grateful for the quiet faith of this godly man.
God has a plan for each of us. Whether He places us in a position of noisy influence or quiet impact, the important thing is to be in the place He wants us to be – today. Quiet faith today may have noisy influence in time.
Pastor Bill Ehmann