THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

During a recent time of prayer, I received a somewhat surprising revelation: FAITH IS NOT THE ABSOLUTE ABSENCE OF FEAR.  At first glance, this seemed somewhat counterintuitive to my understanding of the Word.  However, though the Bible teaches that “perfect love casts out fear,” in practicality, most of us have not yet arrived at that point of spiritual maturation. (I John 4:18) So, for myself and the remainder of our cadre of ‘imperfect’ disciples, FAITH may be understood as moving forward THROUGH the shadows of apprehension and doubt. 

Oftentimes, faith is stretching TOWARD The Word, tentatively and awkwardly, like the novice swimmer holding hopefully onto a flotation device.  As such, one’s faith might feel constrained to make this honest admission: “I may feel shaky and unsure, but I refuse to rely solely on my sensory perceptions.  So I will not stop short of mastering my struggles, my limitations, my doubts and my challenges – by way of a PURPOSEFUL DECISION to believe and trust whatever Heaven declares about me and mine.”

Now hear another important insight.  Our momentary uncertainty is not synonymous with “the spirit of fear.”  The scriptures reveal that the spirit of fear is a malignant malady that originates in hell. (II Timothy 1:7)  Rather, in the faith-fight of believers, we become focused on God’s mandate to wage proactive personal combat against all doubts and fears.  We may not always readily SEE His light, but we continue to spiritually SENSE its presence and power. 

Oswald Chambers wrote, “FAITH IS DELIBERATE CONFIDENCE IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD, whose ways you may not understand at the time.”  Faith mobilizes us to deliberately hold fast to trust in that which has been promised in the covenant, without experiential knowledge of the future, as we remember and reflect upon spiritual triumphs in our past. (Philippians 4:8)  According to the Apostle Peter, we disciples are “fighting the good fight of faith,” which enables us to “lay hold onto eternal life.” (I Timothy 6:12)  As St. Augustine wisely stated, “Faith is believing what you do not see; the reward of faith is seeing what you believe.”  Think.

Therefore, throughout circumstantial uncertainties, faith teaches us to trust GOD who will effectively address all unresolved issues.  For HE is the panacea, the cure-all, the answer and the ultimate solution for every human condition.  Trusting Him is key to manifesting perseverance within our storms.  Although we may not SEE calm seas or dry land, we believe that they are indeed there, simply because GOD says so. 

Such spiritual vision requires having a HEART-TRUST; not a head-trust, but a heart-trust in GOD.  It means knowing that He loves us enough to surround us, sustain us and satisfy us with genuine peace, unspeakable joy, transforming love and ultimate fulfillment.  In the midst of every wave of crisis experienced by Job, he testified that true faith is all about KNOWING THAT GOD KNOWS “the way that I take.” (Job 23:10) 

In 1882, Louisa Stead and William Kirkpatrick penned the classic inspirational hymn, “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

To truly trust HIM is to enter into a REST that is the hope and heritage of every Kingdom Kid. (Hebrews 4:9)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!