The Object of Your Faith

(Originally published in The Daily Press - Religion Section - July 5, 2014) 

Wild West star Annie Oakley dazzled crowds by shooting off ends of cigarettes held in her husband’s lips. Thrill seekers gathered in 1859 to witness French acrobatic daredevil Charles Blondin be first to cross Niagara Falls by tightrope.  His other Niagara stunts included walking the tightrope on stilts; cooking and eating an omelet midway on the stove he carried; balancing his manager on his back.  

Certainly it would be thrilling to watch these types of feats, but would you  volunteer for Oakley or Blondin’s stunts? Your ultimate answer might be based on how much faith you have.

However, a more important question remains: what is the object of your faith? Faith depends on its object. The issue of faith is not that we believe, since everybody believes in something or someone.  Faith is useless unless it is taken out of the mystical and abstract, and becomes a practical, down to earth part of daily living. 

Faith in God is quintessential to the Christian walk. “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.” (Heb. 11:6).  In other words, what we believe in and who we believe in determines whether or not faith will be rewarded.

How much faith you have, is predicated by how well you know the object of your faith. Translated: little knowledge of God results in little faith in God. What effort goes into your relationship? 

Knowledge of who God is increases as we spend time with him. We are the only ones that place a limit on our faith. God will meet you as deeply as you seek him.  (James 4:8).  Test him and see.

Talking to God doesn’t need to be a formality.  As a long distance runner, I use those miles in the morning to meditate on the Scripture I just read over my coffee; listen to his promptings as I pray; worship through praise songs on my iPod. I finish my run replete in the spirit ready to face the challenges of the day.

God already knows your every thought so don’t try to hide your anger, frustration, or disappointments. (Ps. 139:2). Just talk to him as you would your closest friend. Then watch for his comfort, wisdom and counsel throughout the day. God wants to meet your needs more than you want him to. Test him and see.

Expression of faith is faith in action. Bible knowledge for the sake of knowledge benefits none. Believing God at His word and implementing in praxis, guarantees over time, to produce transformed life and relationships. This should not be confused with a perfect life and perfect relationships.

In the comedy “What about Bob?” psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin’s claim to fame was his book “Baby Steps” which is how we can expect to grow in the Christian faith; one step at a time. No one has ever seen a baby learn to walk without stumbling and falling so why would you expect your faith walk to be any different? Love, grace and forgiveness in Christ are infinitely greater than our sins and Satan’s accusations.

         By faith you believe the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. Faith in the fixed order of the universe allows you to set your watch and plan your calendar. Why not trust as the ultimate object of your faith, the One who placed the stars in the sky and called them by name and holds the universe in his hands?