Active vs Passive faith

I simply take Him at His word,

I praise Him that my prayer is heard,

And claim my answer from the Lord;

I take, He undertakes.

Passive faith accepts the Word as true-

But never moves.

Active faith begins the work to do,

And thereby proves.

Passive faith says, " I believe it! every word of God is true.

Well I know He has not spoken what He cannot, will not, do.

He has instructed me, 'Go forward!' but a closed-up way I see,

When the waters are divided, soon in Canaan's land I'll be.

Lo! I hear His voice commanding, 'Rise and walk: take up your bed';

And, 'Stretch to Me your withered hand!' which for so long has been dead.

When I am a little stronger, then, I know I'll surely stand:

When there comes a thrill of healing, I will use with ease my reclaimed hand.

Yes, I know that 'God is able' and full willing all to do:

I believe that every promise, sometime, will to me come true."

Active faith says, "I believe it! and the promise now I take,

Knowing well, as I receive it, God, each promise,

real will make.

So I step into the waters, finding there an open way;

Onward press, the land possessing; nothing can my progress stay.

Yes, I rise at His commanding, walking straight, and joyfully:

This, my hand so sadly shriveled, as I reach, restored will be.

What beyond His faithful promise, would I wish or do I need?

Looking not for 'signs or wonders', I'll no contradiction heed.

Well I know that 'God is able', and full willing all to do:

I believe that every promise, at this moment can come true."

Passive faith but praises in the light,

When sun does shine.

Active faith will praise in darkest night-

Which faith is thine?

"Every difficulty and every temptation that comes our way, if we receive it correctly, is God's opportunity."

"May the Lord open our eyes to see Him, even in temptations, trials, dangers, and misfortunes." C.H.P.

Musings from Streams in the Desert February 22-23.