Day 32: Transcending Peace Within

Awakening Faith with Kari Hunnicutt – 40 Days of Reconciliation

With Kari HunnicuttIn today's fast-paced world, many individuals find their faith in God drifting into a state of dormancy. In a recent episode of the 40 Days of Reconciliation podcast, author Kari Hunnicutt explores the idea of "dormant faith." She goes deeply into this concept. She shares her insights on how to reignite that passion for a thriving relationship with God.Kari Hunnicutt describes dormant faith as a belief that exists but is not fully engaged. It is not about rejecting God, but rather a state where the relationship has grown quiet. Many believers find themselves in this scenario, knowing the truth but no longer actively seeking intimacy with God. Kari emphasizes that when engagement fades, obedience often follows. This disconnect can lead to a sense of complacency in one’s spiritual walk.Hunnicutt highlights the Great Commission. It is the final commandment of Jesus to his disciples. He urged them to make disciples of all nations. Many are familiar with this command. However, a survey she conducted revealed that nearly half of the respondents felt ineffective. They felt disobedient in their efforts to live it out. Many hesitated due to fear of rejection. Others had a private approach to faith. Feeling unprepared was also common. Some were simply too busy. This gap between belief and action is where dormant faith often lives.The church serves as an essential institution designed to bring believers together. Kari underscores the importance of community in maintaining and strengthening one’s faith. When individuals feel isolated, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay committed to their spiritual journey. Disconnection from their church community also contributes to this difficulty. Encouragement, accountability, and support from fellow believers are crucial in keeping faith alive.Kari shares her personal journey of faith, illustrating that it is a continuous process of transformation and growth. Engaging in a relationship with God requires effort, much like nurturing a friendship. The more priority one gives to their relationship with God, the stronger that connection becomes. Kari states, "God doesn't need our performance. He just wants our presence."Many believers may recognize their dormant faith when they label themselves as "lukewarm." This self-awareness is the first step toward revitalizing their relationship with God. Hunnicutt encourages honesty in assessing one’s spiritual state, suggesting that acknowledging the need for a deeper relationship is pivotal.Kari Hunnicutt's insights on dormant faith remind us that our relationship with God requires ongoing engagement. We can reignite our faith by confronting fears. Seeking community also plays a significant role. Prioritizing our spiritual practices helps us live out the Great Commission effectively. Remember, dormant faith is not the end; it is an opportunity for renewal and deeper connection with God.

1. Awakening Faith with Kari Hunnicutt 17:31
2. Awake and Reconcile 07:23
3. Insights from Steve Ward on Proactive Parenting and Spiritual Growth 21:52
4. The Intersection of Brain Science and Faith: An Interview with Professor Angela Deulen 18:52
5. Purpose-Driven Leadership: Bridging Faith and Strategy for Lasting Impact 20:31

Allow me today to share an experience I had just recently when I went to fuel the car I was driving, and something really unexpected happened.

And our topic today, let us follow the topic “Transcending Peace Within.”

I remember every Sunday in the church, a priest would say, “May the peace of God which passes all understanding…” He would proclaim peace over us. Things we take passively, but they are real. I don’t take God passively, and I pray always that whenever I go to a church, I ask God to open my ears and my inner understanding because there is a lot that God speaks to us through the scriptures, through the priests that God has given us.

So, people of God, servants of God, thank you. And whenever I’m in a church, I want to listen. This time round, this is something in the marketplace, an experience. When I think about it right now as I share in this podcast, I look back and I’m full of joy because of the outcome of the kind of response, unexpected response. When we choose to take this for real, the kind of experience and response we get afterwards will bring joy and inner transcending peace.

So, at a fuel station, a gentleman does not read the sticker that says “Diesel”. He doesn’t want to look at it. He just puts in petrol. Thank God, he stops slightly before he puts in one liter, after I ask him, “What are you putting in?”

Yeah, here where I come from, in my country, sometimes we don’t read. Sometimes we can call when we are at a signpost; for example, if I’m going to Banana Hotel (doesn’t exist), I’ll be at the signpost and make a call, “Hello, where is the way to Banana Hotel?” even when there are arrows that show where I should go.

Don’t mind. We are progressing very well. It also works socially. If you can find somebody to call and they lead you to Banana Hotel and not somewhere else dangerous, then yeah, that’s an investment, social investment. So, there are advantages and disadvantages in everything. I’m not trying to justify the failure to read signposts. I’m trying to be fair in what I’m saying.

The gentleman, upon realizing he had put in the wrong fuel, he was timid. I was calm inside because I feel I’ve been transformed, and I’m undergoing transformation still in many other areas. But in this one, I thank God. I felt transcending peace, even when there was a crisis before me.

Will I fight? Will I threaten him? Will I try to get money from the petrol station? Shall I get the petrol station to fix the problem?

God always has greater solutions than humans. Maybe everything happens for a purpose. One time I said this to someone and they didn’t believe it. So, let’s leave that because it’s conceptual. Otherwise, for me, I see that in every situation, if we remain attuned to God, we learn divine purposes in everything. God never wants evil or wrong things to happen, but when they happen, what is our response?

The gentleman does not read. He gives me wrong fuel. What is my response? Now, before I continue, what would be your response? I wish this was a discussion and I hear your experiences, wherever, whichever culture, what would be your immediate response?

For me, in my situation, I told myself, “God is seeing this. So, how you react determines how God will help you out of this problem.”

The gentleman came over to apologize. But here’s something strange on me again. Let me ask you, especially the practicing Christian believers who are reading. (Remember, my podcasts are not only for Christians. Please, these podcasts are for everyone). But let me ask a question for my fellow believers. In that case, what do you do?

For me, in my case, I felt like, in the first place, I don’t have anything against you. I’m dealing with the problem right now, and you are not the problem. I see the problem. I need a solution to this. Now, you are saying, “I’m sorry, sir.” Will I now be engaged on the apology side or should we work together and find solutions?

I just told the gentleman, “I’m more concerned about the solution, not anything else.” And he quickly understood. He joined me to my side to help find technicians. And then I quickly called the experts that I know. Some, their phones were off, but there’s one reliable technician that I know. May God bless him. And I know he’s going to read this. Thank you, brother.

And then there was another technician, by God’s grace, he hadn’t gone home. It was at night. Two technicians were able to give me advice from their experience. The matter was resolved. The gentleman who had put in wrong fuel had become calm seeing I was focused on solutions and not against him. That also gave me peace. His colleague was working with me to find the solution. The management also quickly understood.

There was nothing like, “No. You need to pay for this crime.” I wanted peace for everyone.

I hope this gentleman will know that God changes people, and he can change him as well. As I share this podcast with you, everyone, wherever we are, we don’t really have to talk too much, but how we react, how we respond to a situation has very many effects.

There is peace within, as a result of how we respond to situations. It determines how we affect the other people. And in our Christian world, for us who believe in Christ, this is how we change the world. Not looking for our own interests, but making sure we stay tuned to the Holy Spirit, who loves everyone and is the giver of peace.

God bless you so much. Thank you for reading.