Why Zeal Matters

Zeal matters because, in the words of Pastor Karen Wheaton, who oversees The Ramp: “YOU MATTER!”

Recently I did a Bible study on all the times God acts independently of humanity vs when He works in cooperation with us to achieve His purposes. I was stunned to discover that roughly 10% of the time God does things without any human participation, but 90% of the time He works in partnership with us.

Let me break it down:

-       In creation God worked independently from humanity. He didn’t look for people to pray, they weren’t created yet. He didn’t search for a prophet. He simply decided to make the world to share His love with us.

-       In the plagues of Egypt, out of His own justice, God punished Egypt for their disobedience. He didn’t use humans to outwork the wrath and destroy His enemies, like He did with Joshua and David.

-       In the Resurrection, God defeated death Himself through His Son, and as the Bible says, “God raised Him from the dead.” (Acts 2:24).

You get the picture…

…And this is good theology for us to hold. God can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, however He wants. We need this in our framework as those who are busy, stressed-out, and rushing around trying to help God out (just me?)

We all need a healthy reminder that He doesn’t need us. But He does want us…

What I began to discover was that even when God acts independently, humans still show up in the story.

- In creation, He made humanity.

- Through the plagues, He saved His people.

- Through the Resurrection, He defeats Satan, sin and death for us.

Even though God is Sovereign and highly exalted, and at times acts independently, He is always working for our good. His heart is for us, His love is towards us, and His plans are for our good.

I need to remember this too. Why? Because while God’s sovereignty helps me overcome my tendency to overwork, reminding me that ultimately it’s His power at work, and leads me into rest and trust in His ongoing work, I can also be quick to discount and disqualify myself from being part of His story

Sometimes it’s easier to believe in Heaven than Heaven-on-Earth. It can be easier to accept a God of power, but difficult to walk in “His power working in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

I could give plenty reasons why God shouldn’t use me, and yet, the Bible is full of examples of how God used flawed, broken, and hurting people to fulfil His plans.

And that’s the flip-side. It seems that most of the time, when God wants to work on the Earth, He looks for humans to partner with.

-       “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9a)

-       “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7).

Moses leads God’s people out of slavery. David fights God’s battles. Joshua takes the people into the Promised Land. The prophets speak to God’s people. John prepares the way. Mary gives birth to Jesus.

Hear me friends, you matter. God invites you into His story.

So, what does all that have to do with zeal? I’m glad you asked…

As we read in 2 Chronicles 16:9, God is looking for hearts fully committed to Him. We’re not called to passivity but wholehearted passion.

We can’t afford to reject passion, for within it we’ll find a key aspect of faith. James 2:20 says “faith without works is dead.” Ouch, James! Our faith requires action and wholehearted devotion, otherwise it’s lifeless. And we need to rediscover life again! And passion helps us rekindle dying flames.

Action without passion will be short-lived. Or it can turn into disillusionment. But zeal and action are a force to be reckoned with. As the saying goes, passionate people change the world. Are you ready to be a world changer? It’s hidden within awakened zeal.

Zeal takes on different forms but it’s certainly not complacent or inactive. Zeal has legs, heart and teeth. Zeal has grit, resilience and fight. Zeal drives us forward to keep on believing what God has said. Zeal is boots on the ground fulfilling God’s purposes with love and truth, kindness and conviction, surrender and submission.

You matter in God’s story and zeal will be the driving force and wind in your sails to do what He’s asked you to do, go where He’s called you to go, and say what He’s instructed you to say.

We need zeal because we need you. So, in the face of overwhelming darkness, statistics of decline in the church that causes us to despair, and all the challenges we face, may we arise with zeal once again. Let faith rise in us to continue to believe in what God has said.

04/02/2025 - Josh Green

Further Reading:

- Garrett Howell, Letters To The Zealous

- David Thomas, How To Pray For Awakening