Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
If asked how to define faith, most Christians would direct you to the first verse in Hebrews 11, which says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Others might share this acronym that says: Forsaking All I Take Him (spells out FAITH).
The definition I’ve heard and think encompasses faith is this: taking God at His word, having full confidence that what He says is true and can believed. Faith accepts God’s word as fact and acts accordingly.
I used to think I had a lot of faith. But lately, I’ve seen faith in epic proportions.
I met a woman who moved to my city because God told her to. She stayed at the local homeless shelter for 6 weeks, trusting God for each and every need. She is a mom, a grandmother, educated, intelligent, not crazy… but full of faith. God rewarded her faithfulness. She found a job that provided a place to live, food to eat and money to provide for the rest of her needs. It was exactly her heart’s desire. That is faith.
I have a friend who has survived more trails and tragedies than anyone I know. She was abused, abandoned, prostituted, raped, beaten, stabbed, shot and more. She came to know the Lord. She is giving back. She is a blessing. She found out she has cancer. She believed with all her heart that God didn’t bring her this far to let her go. She had faith. Her faith was rewarded. It’s stage 1 and can be easily removed through surgery.
I know another woman who has suffered greatly, yet continues to give. Her husband lost his Job 2 years ago. He’s been unable to find full time work. She was diagnosed with a terrible, debilitating disease with a low survival rate. She has 3 kids. One was just diagnosed with a tumor on his leg. She is believing in God for a miracle. They don’t have any money. They barely have food to eat. Yet, they continue to give to others. She has faith.
It’s easy to trust God and have faith when the sun is shining, the bills are paid, food is on the table, the car has gas and everyone is healthy. It’s harder to trust God when you have no idea where your next meal is going to come from, or when you have no idea if you are going to live or die. Yet, it is in the situations where our true faith in God is developed and revealed.
It is in having faith in God and trusting Him that there is peace.
It is my hope and desire that I too can have faith like these women. Yet, in asking for it, I’m fearful of the trials and tests that may be around the corner.
Is my faith strong enough to pass the test? I hope so.
Is yours?