Jul 16

Written by: tim
7/16/2009 1:49 PM 

Earlier today our office manager, Renee, and I stumbled into a brief but encouraging conversation about faith.  Along the way I made some remark about humor going rather well with faith.  I meant what I said at the time but now that I think about it a little more it really is a statement that holds true.

Many times we think of faith as something that requires a lot of concerted effort and seriousness.  Of course this is true in the sense that no one should take their faith lightly or wander around aimlessly without truth.  When I think of someone who "stands up for their faith" it makes me think of that noble and soldier-like countenance marked with just the right amount of piety.  The person who doesn't waver in their faith is one of those who doesn't give into temptation, who doesn't give up and who prays and keeps on praying about whatever the situation is at hand.

No one can dispute the fact that we are called to pray about things that are going on in our lives and the lives of others.  We find ourselves on our knees fervently lifting these requests to God... as of course we should!  But are we also free to smile or even enjoy a moment of laughter in the midst of the impossible?

The famous definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."   Now to be completely honest there have been several times in my life when I've been asking the Lord to move in one way or another and I have NOT BEEN SURE of what was going to happen next.  I remember needing reliable transportation but not having a clue as to how that would transpire.  I remember the days before my dad went in for major heart surgery and really didn't know how things would turn out.  In both of these cases, though, I experienced a level of peace.  Even though I didn't know how those circumstances would turn out I knew I could trust Him.  Jesus. 

It is in the most uncertain of times that we can truly trust the Lord without the trappings of "other solutions".  There can be that moment of, "okay Lord, how are you going to pull this one off?"  Which can lead to, "I really don't know what your plans are for this but I know who You are, I know Your reputation, Your track record is spotless and so now I can just fully rest, and even enjoy myself."

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  1Peter 5:7 (NIV)

If we take 1Peter 5:7 to heart and we make our request to the Lord; when we cast our anxiety on Jesus then we should notice a stark absence of the stuff in our own minds. 

What are the tell-tale signs of faith?  Perhaps you have more to add to this but consider these:  a home filled with laughter, sleep-filled nights, productive habits and encouraging words, expectant prayers, trust...

The biggest tell-tale sign of genuine faith is that it is consistent regardless of the events of the day because of who He is.

Peace and Joy!