FAITH

What is a faith?

A lot of what is passed off as faith is really foolishness. Some faith is merely wishful thinking, rooted in our momentary desires rather than in God-focused reality.
It is foolishness for a kid to pray that God gets him an A on the test when he hasn't bothered to crack a book. It is foolishness to sleep around expecting God to protect you from unwanted pregnancy or an STD (sexually transmitted disease). It is foolishness to put God to the test, expecting Him to ignore persistent sin that you acknowledge (perhaps)and still not repent of it (turn from it).

Yet many people resist faith as impractical or unrealistic. Faith is for "spiritual people". Realistic people always have a Plan B--or so the logic goes. Or we exercise faith until we get an unexpected or undesired outcome, and then we take back the reins of our life.

Faith is recognition that God is at work for the good of those who love him and are called to His purposes (Romans 8.28). Faith is the trust placed in God that His way is not only the best way--but the only way to live. Faith is not blind. It is informed by His promises and reliant upon God's proven character. Faith is letting God give you new eyes and a new mind and a new heart. Eyes to see the world as God sees it. A mind to embrace and comprehend God's truth. A heart that is passionate to please God.

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews describes it this way: "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) Or as it is explained in The Message translation: "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worthy living."

The same writer reminds us, "Without faith, we cannot please God." (Hebrews 11.6)

And one more, "The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself in love." (Galatians 5:6)

REMEMBER: A GOOD QUESTION MEETS THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009 AT THE BLACK KNIGHT IN LANDISVILLE FROM 7:00-9:00 PM