Although I’ve never been to Disney, and confession, actually have zero desire to, I remember my in-laws sharing their fun memories. One year the family gathered together before I was in the picture and my mother-in-law had back trouble. She was in a lot of pain, so while at Disney, she had a wheelchair.

Her situation gave the entire family express access to all the rides. They skipped the lines and were able to enjoy many rides multiple times.

I have friends who have purchased express passes for the same perks. For extra money, there were able to enjoy more rides with less waiting time. Sweet deal, right?

It is, for theme parks.

For our faith in Christ, not so much.

For years I’ve stood in the gap and believed God for amazing things. I pray big things. And God’s been good.

I remember listening to an acquaintance share her frustrations. There was a situation tht kept repeating. I told her I would pray, and I believed God could change things.

Her response?

“I don’t have that kind of faith. I’ll just ride on yours.”

Believe it or not, I’ve heard this quite a bit. With my kids no longer needing my constant help, I have the time to go beyond a quick devotional and “Help, Jesus” prayer. I read quite a bit. Study. Pray. It’s a choice. I could watch the morning news, a 30+ year routine I gave up last year, or get more word count in. It’s what I believe God asked me to do. From it, there’s been favor and acceleration in my life.

They want the fast pass.

Most people don’t see the time, work, and journey my faith walk takes. They see an answered prayer or a blessing and decide they want the answers and the blessings, too. The problem? They don’t want the tears, the ups, downs, sweat, rejection and time.

—Julie Arduini

When I teach Sunday School I tell the participants you get what you put in. Although God is absolutely a giver of good gifts, I can say He expects more from us than a lifetime of thirty-second prayer and time with Him. Express pass works for Disney, but a healthy relationship with Jesus? Not so much.

I believe we’re in a time in history where we will see signs, wonders, answers, prodigals returning, healings, so much. We will see justice. I even believe the media will be forced to report resurrections because they will be happening enough that everyone will have to take notice.

But I also believe we’re being called to a new place in faith. Whatever level we’ve been operating at, we need to go deeper. Lukewarm faith isn’t going to work. Fast pass faith? No. Don’t expect big things if you aren’t praying but asking someone else to. He knows your schedule and circumstances. He isn’t asking you to mimic my schedule anyore than He’s asking me to copy someone else’s. But He is saying don’t get stagnant. Don’t ride someone else’s prayers hoping it’s enough.

If fast pass faith is something you can relate to, know God has so much for you. So much! Would you take the time to listen to what He’s asking of you and be obedient?

And like Disney, I expect your journey will be an amazing ride!