Front End Faith Instead of Back End Believer? (Part 2 – What is it?)

John 16:33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

So have you thought about your preference to move your life into “Front End Faith” from that of a “Back End Believer”?  

It probably goes without saying that most of us would like to make the move that would bring more peace and joy into our lives.  Unfortunately, for many; the desire for “moving up and moving on” in our faith stops right here.  We become settled in the cycles of “life smacks” – bend knees – pray – trust God – God Handles – Move On – Thank God – Yay!...(got through that one!)”  The cycle ends and we find ourselves back into the routines of daily stress, minor problems and controlled chaos.  Our thankfulness for what God did for us in our recent “Life Smack” is quickly forgotten and once again we start taking our own “power steps”.  Steps that walk us right back into another day of complaints, bad attitudes, impatience with others, fear and stress, and much more. 

That’s the problem with “Back End Faith”.  It culminates in a Godly person’s reaction to “Life Smacks”.  A Reaction is really just a conditioned response based on our personal history and knowledge.  A Reaction is in the “moment”.  Even though a reaction is better than nothing and can certainly sustain us at our point of crisis; it won’t carry us to the level of abundant living that God wants for all of his children.

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

“Front End Faith” is where God wants us all to be.  It is complete trust in not just what He has done or is doing but what He will do in our lives.   Front End Faith is “Proactive”.  It doesn’t require us knowing the solution or results in advance.  It requires complete reliance and trust in a God who is the Alpha and Omega.  He is with us in every moment; before, during and after anything that happens in our lives. 

Do you recall a time when you completely surrendered a problem or situation to God?  Can you remember the peace and relief it felt knowing that God would take care of it?  Now… think about doing that very same thing with every moment in your life before the “Life Smacks”.  Turning your reaction to crisis into a proaction of committed surrender is life changing freedom.  It brings a change that not only brings you the peace and joy you are looking for but it will impact everyone who comes across your path.  …Whatever comes my way Lord, I trust you.  I know that you love me and I surrender my every breath to you.  

It goes without saying that the world watches to see how Christians handle the stresses and problems that come their way.  But, what really impacts a life is the way that we live every moment. 

Psalm 23 (NIV)

A psalm of David.

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake. ⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.
 ⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows. ⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.