Dynamic Faith

Holding Tensions

Life is not black and white

We must learn to hold tensions in our life.

They are often confusing times, full of anxieties, stress, doubt

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NASB95

8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Philippians 4:12 NASB95

12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

The tension of Zacharia and Elizabeth

Faithful servants

obeying the commandments

but Childless

parents viewed as ungodly

Broken from unanswered prayers

Held in tension the

“reproach among people” and a life of servitude

Unanswered prayers and continued prayer

doubt and faith

Breaking through tensions

Spiritual maturity and growth in our relationship with God occurs as God breaks through the tensions.

Ex. Elijah running from Ahab feeling he is alone

1 Kings 19:10 NASB95

10 He said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

Ex. Joseph

Genesis 40:23 NASB95

23 Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

We know how the story ends with Elijah, Joseph and Zacharias

All held tensions that were challenging them but the challenge was for growth that lead to a joy they could not anticipate.

Battling through in prayer

Zacharia teaches us to battle the tensions of life in prayer.

“Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance, suppresses anger, restrains pride and envy, draws down the Holy Spirit into the soul and raises man to heaven.” ~St. Ephraim the Syrian