What does it mean to have faith?
Faith, by definition means: belief that is not based on proof.
Faith is about trusting in what you can't see but know it is true.
When you go into a dark room and reach for the switch - do you trust that the lights will come on? When you get up in the morning, do you trust that when you look to the east the sun will rise (even if it is just a different shade of gray in Columbus)? Seeing isn't always believing - often our belief system is shaped by what we cannot see or cannot understand and yet still know to be true.
Something similar happens in our faith in God. We cannot physically see God and we cannot fully understand how He works, but our belief in His power, His justice and His love, even though we cannot see, makes our faith complete.
After Jesus' resurrection he appeared to the disciples who were hiding out in the upper room. They were shocked and dismayed, convinced they were seeing a ghost. They needed to touch his hands where he was crucified and feel his side where he was speared to truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
And then there was Thomas...
Thomas was not with the other disciples during that first encounter (John 20:24). He boldly claimed, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25) And then a week later, Jesus once again appeared to the disciples, this time was Thomas with them. Thomas was stunned. Here was the Teacher, the person he had followed for the last three years, the person he had watched beaten and killed by the Roman soldiers and he was alive. He praised God in that moment but Jesus had a very telling response,
"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”(John 20:29)
Jesus was talking about each of us. We did not have the great honor to walk with Jesus on his journey here on earth, but through the faith of others and the transcending grace we have experienced in Jesus, we believe in the salvation offered through him.
Our eyes do not see the physical Jesus, but our hearts and our minds know who Jesus is. Our faith transcends the ability to taste, touch, smell, hear and see. Our faith allows our sixth sense to know that Jesus is Lord. And that is the only sense we need.
Faith is believing without proof. Faith is loving. Faith is trusting in the hope promised.
Faith is being a Christian in action every day of your life.
Faith is a sense you cannot live without.
Scripture
Quote of the Day
"When you have come to the edge Of all light that you know And are about to drop
off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing One of two things will
happen: There will be something solid to stand on or You will be taught to fly”
Patrick Overton
Question of the Day
What do you believe is true - even though you cannot prove it?
Don't forget: THIS WEEK IS A SPECIAL SESSION OF GUMY - ALL GROUPS WILL MEET AT THE CHURCH @ 5PM!
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