We’ve all been there—watching the flames of a problem rise and feeling powerless. Whether it’s literal flames, like a job site disaster, or figurative ones—relationships fraying, faith feeling stale, dreams delayed—the tendency is to freeze. The challenge? God calls us as members of the non-denominational church in Cleveland to move, to act, to do something.
How We Freeze When Everything Goes Wrong
Imagine a team on a construction site. One careless mistake hits a gas line, and suddenly, chaos erupts. Some panic, others point fingers, but one worker, though terrified, grabs a bucket, digs, and puts out the fire. It wasn’t perfection or brilliance that solved the crisis—it was action. This moment teaches us a hard truth: when life feels out of control, we often freeze, telling ourselves we’re not ready or it won’t matter.
The Parable of the Talents: A Call to Action
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of three servants given money to manage. The ones who invested their resources doubled them. The one who buried his talent, out of fear, was rebuked by the master. The lesson: God wants us to use what we’ve been given. Not hiding our gifts out of fear or comparison, but investing them—acting, even imperfectly.
Why Comparison and Fear Hold Us Back
The problem often isn’t laziness, but comparison. We look at others and think, “I don’t have what they do.” Or we fear failure, awkwardness, or judgment. We excuse our inaction with “I’m praying on it” or “I’m waiting for a sign.” Often, we’re procrastinating, not being faithful. God gave us what we need; He just wants us to act with what we have.
Faith Grows Through Action
Faith isn’t a static asset. It’s like a muscle that grows when exercised. Each small step—praying, serving, loving—builds strength. The more we act, the more our faith grows, making us ready to handle bigger challenges.
Practical Ways to Get Moving
Doing something doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s in the small, everyday actions:
- Forgive before the apology—break cycles and show grace.
- Invite someone to dinner—small acts of hospitality can change lives.
- Serve without applause—serve even when no one is watching.
- Pray with others—create intimacy by praying together.
- Serve in a ministry—find one way to be involved consistently.
Overcoming Common Barriers with Community Friends Church
- “I don’t have time”: Prioritize small acts, like 10 minutes of Scripture over scrolling.
- “It won’t matter”: Small acts often have lasting effects.
- “I’m afraid of failing”: Courage is acting despite fear—embrace the awkwardness.
- “I don’t have enough”: Start with what you have—faithfulness matters more than quantity.
A 30-Day Faith Experiment
Start small with a 30-day experiment:
- Daily Bible reading (5-15 minutes).
- Pray for someone each night.
- One act of kindness weekly (invite someone to coffee, send an encouraging text).
- One committed service opportunity (join a team, volunteer).
When We Fail
Failure is part of the process. We won’t always get it right, but we keep going. Bring failures to God and try again. Faith is built in the imperfect moments, not the perfect ones.
Why This Matters for Families and Communities
Our actions ripple out. Small acts of love and service shape our families, workplaces, and communities. When we act instead of freezing, we create spaces for growth, healing, and connection. The church becomes a place where people encounter hope, not just ideas.
Start Today with Community Friends Church
Pick one small step: pray for someone, serve a neighbor, or read a short Scripture passage each day this week. Action, even small, is the key to growth. Let’s move from inaction to faithful obedience. Don’t stand there—do something!