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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
I have learned over the years to temper my comments with time and consideration, having too often commented too quickly concerning a situation I was not fully informed about and later wishing I hadn’t. Mother Teresa’s “wavering faith” one topic I purposely decided to wait and see on.
Our society today seems to do one of two things to the rich and/or famous. We idolize and praise them excessively, excusing anything and everything they do and say or we demonize them, criticizing and ridiculing every move they make; at times inflicting both extremes on the same people – Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton being prime examples.
Before and shortly after her death, Mother Teresa was lauded and held up as an example of Christian piety and self-less service for believers and unbelievers alike. (And while I disagree with much of the Catholic system of worship and am no expert on Mother Teresa’s life, I must say that what I did see of her life and hear about her faith did indeed seem to exemplify much of the best in a person of faith.) Alas, much has recently been made of a diary she kept throughout her life that quite dramatically – and surprisingly – expresses doubt, frustration and anxiety over her seeming lack of faith, which caused her to occasionally question God’s presence and faithfulness. Which means her life’s work is now being questioned, her belief ridiculed; some saying she was living a lie or was in ignorance clinging to something she didn’t have full confidence in. A few are saying her faith amidst doubt is more real and therefore more laudable; to which I whole-heartedly agree, faith and belief not being natural occurrences for us but rather a supernatural conversion of the heart, mind and soul. An occurrence that is at once exhilarating and difficult, developed as we mature chronologically and spiritually.
We are assured that, “…God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (See also John 3:36 – comparing even a faltering faith to outright rejection.) So why do moments of doubt assail us? For a number of reasons, one of which is, “We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 Being sensory creatures, that’s hard! For even as we can at times “see” or experience the results of our belief, we can’t “embrace” the object of our faith. (At least not until we stand in his presence in heaven. John 20:29 – 1 Corinthians 13:12) Our hope of salvation, based on something or someone we have not seen, often being the source of our greatest inspiration and frustration. (Romans 8:24)
We often complicate matters by asking God to do things that are out of the ordinary, things seldom if ever experienced in the natural realm. Yet, “…faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 Like the man seeking out Jesus to heal his son. He had heard what Jesus had done for others, possibly even seeing a miracle or two himself. He came with great hope and anticipation as well as some fear and reservation. Jesus’ response was to challenge him to exercise faith in Him and informed the man that success or failure in this venture depended on his belief rather than Jesus’ ability. To which the father immediately exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:20-25
However, a somewhat surprising and unsettling cause of anxiety in the midst of faith is documented in scripture through Job’s experience with Satan (in particular, see Job 1:6-22); Abraham’s test of obedience concerning the sacrifice of his son (Genesis 22:1-19); and Jacob’s wrestling with an angel and his conscience. (Genesis 32:22-32) Through which we learn to, “…fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 Taking to heart the scripture that assures us that, “…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (See also Deuteronomy 4:29)
More poignant to me however, is the case of Hezekiah, who was for the most part a good and righteous king (See 2 Kings 18:5-7), and yet one who still experienced doubt and anxiety concerning his faith and ability to rule – one time in particular at God’s instigation. It occurred, as these things often do, following a season of significant success; “…God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.” 2 Chronicles 32:31 (Proverbs possibly giving us insight into this situation when it declares, “…man is tested by the praise he receives.” (Proverbs 27:21) Deuteronomy 8:10-20 citing mans tendency to accept God’s blessing and then take the credit for it himself, while Judges 7:3-8 gives us an example of God’s solution for that tendency. (See also 1 Corinthians 3:13)
Sometimes we need to prove ourselves to ourselves, learning that we can indeed do things we never thought we could; likewise proving God’s faithfulness to us even when we weren’t sure we felt his presence and questioned his purpose. For if God’s constant presence in our lives means we never have to consider who we are and what we stand for; if we received everything we wanted or needed instantly – there would be no struggle, no challenge, no growth – no belief and no faith at all.
Once more, the Old Testament depicts God working through and because of the faithful persistence and diligent preparedness of his people to do what is right, against all odds. With a vast army of Moabites and Ammonites arrayed against him, King Jehoshaphat was encouraged not to be discouraged or afraid. “For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle. (But) Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you,…” 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 Something Mother Teresa and countless others have done throughout history. Despite the magnitude of the problems found in doing any great work for God and in spite of the self-doubt and misgivings they may occasion in our lives, we must do what we know to do and go where we know we are needed, being rewarded beyond our wildest dreams and expectations. That is the difference between an emotional response to the possibilities of salvation and a mental resolution to follow the Lord wherever he leads as a consequence of salvation.
We are certainly admonished not to doubt (Mark 11:20 – James 1:6), even as we are told to, “Be merciful to those who (do)… Jude 23So, “…stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 Even in the midst of confusion and doubt, we have no reason for shame if we cling to our belief and remain convinced of His presence. (2 Timothy 1:12) Because, “…he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Mark 13:3
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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