THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

THE ESSENCE OF FAITH

FAITH IS NOT THE ABSOLUTE ABSENCE OF FEAR.  At first glance, this statement might seem somewhat counter-intuitive to our understanding of the Word.  Nevertheless, although the Bible teaches us that “perfect love casts out fear,” in practicality, most of us have not yet arrived. (I John 4:18)  So, for myself and the remaining cadre of ‘imperfect’ disciples, FAITH may be understood as purposefully moving forward THROUGH the shadows of apprehension and doubt. 

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

Now consider another important insight:  Momentary uncertainty is not synonymous with “the spirit of fear.”  The scriptures reveal that the spirit of fear is a malignant malady that actually originates in hell. (II Timothy 1:7)  So, in the faith-fight of believers, we become focused on God’s mandate to wage proactive combat against doubt and fear.  We may not always readily SEE His light, but we continue to SENSE its presence and power.   Though we may be momentarily uncertain, FAITH motivates us to persevere.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “FAITH IS DELIBERATE CONFIDENCE IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD, whose ways you may not understand at the time.”  True that!  Faith mobilizes us to deliberately hold fast to trust in the promises of The Covenant without experiential knowledge of our future, but with memory of 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.”

Therefore, throughout circumstantial uncertainty, faith teaches us to trust our GOD who effectively addresses unresolved issues.  For HE is the panacea, the cure-all, the answer, the ultimate solution for every human condition.  Trusting Him is key to manifesting perseverance in stormy weather.  Although we may not SEE calm seas or dry land, we believe that they are indeed nearby, 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 genuine 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 a classic 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 ultimate 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 YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!