Faith and trust are words that can be almost interchangeable. We place
our trust in so many things unconsciously. Getting up in the morning is an act
of trust. That the world keeps spinning, the sun will rise and set, that our
pay packet or pension is always there, that clean water is always in our
taps...etc.
On Thursday and Friday I placed my trust in my satnav to get me to a
village in Wales I’d never been to before for my Father –in-law’s funeral. If
it had failed I would have been literally completely lost! All my trust, pretty
small trust really was placed in that device – a trust that was sorely
stretched when it took me down some pretty narrow streets in a Welsh village –
but a trust that was rewarded when it did in fact lead me to the exact spot I
needed to get to.
Faith in God can be sorely tested as well. Brian, whose funeral I was
attending, was my first wife - Alex’s dad. Brian outlived his daughter, my
wife, by six years. Consumed by my own grief at that time, I didn’t really stop
to consider how bereft Brian must have felt. We both would have agreed with
Habbakuk I’m sure when he cries out to God in despair that God appears either
unwilling or unable to help.
The second chapter, which gives his own answer is to continue to live by
faith or trust in God’s promises. What else can we do? There is a sticky point
in Jesus’ ministry when people lose faith in him and start to leave and he
turns to his inner core, the disciples and says. “Do you want to go as well?” and
Peter answers
“Lord where would we go?. You have the words of eternal life” (John
6:68)
Trust or true faith is one that has been tested by fire through thick
and thin, through good times and bad times.
Jesus tells us that we only need a tiny amount of faith to make a huge
amount of difference, but also, when our faith leads us to do or achieve great
things, don’t expect a reward or any special treatment, because you are only
doing what is your duty.
Is there anything practical you can do to maintain or increase your
trust in God?
Yes there is, but it takes a bit of effort. The simplest thing you can
do is memorise some verses of the Bible that you find inspiring and helpful.
The Bible is inspired by God and if you memorise some parts of it, when you say
them to yourself you have the word of God on your lips, in your mind, and on
your heart.
Some of the most helpful come from two books we have been studying in
our home groups, Romans and Philippians;
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (4:13)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (4:6)
If God is for us, who can be against us;
John 3:16, the 23rd psalm, the list is endless and intensely
personal.
Reading or praying scripture like that connects us with God. So does
prayer whether using set words, impromptu words or sitting in silence with God
on your heart. Communication with God through prayer and scripture is great for
building your faith and maintaining it.
So when a crisis comes, and a crisis will come, our faith has strong
foundations and while you will be jolted, perhaps for some time, you will stand
firm.
I will end with a memorised piece of scripture that has always helped me
and strengthened me.
Jesus said “In this world you
will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33)
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