2 Corinthians 5:7 states "we walk by faith, not by sight."  This raises the question, "how's our faith walk going?  Are we walking the walk of faith with a brisk, confident stride?  Or, are we struggling to put one foot in front of the other when it comes to faith?  Perhaps, like me, you’ve heard the statement “it takes money to make money.” The same idea may apply to faith.  Faith is the currency of our relationship with God.  He expects us to bring some faith to the table.

 
In Hebrews 11:5-6 we read that “He (Enoch) was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

So, are we bringing some faith in God to the table? And, what kind of faith is God looking for?

Francis MacNutt describes faith as: “chutzpah that is nerve/brass, extreme confidence in action (cf. the woman who touches Jesus' robe).  It is not blind faith but confidence or obedience to the promises of God, trust in the character of God.  Like Abraham, we set out for an unknown promised land. The faith lies in setting out on the journey, not in being sure of exactly where we are going. We believe that God is faithful, provided we do what is in our power, and that is to pray. Faith is simply obedience and the willingness to risk; not an absolute certainty about what is going to happen on the journey.”

We can say that the faith God is looking for is stronger than optimism or wishful thinking; yet, it is different from absolute certainty. John Wimber used to say it should be spelled R-I-S-K. Faith involves element of making ourselves vulnerable, sticking our necks out, running the risk of being made to look foolish. It is living in the light of a different reality than the one we see.

How much you got? Fortunately, we don’t have to have a lot of this risk-taking faith.  Obviously, the more we have the better.  But, we don’t have to start out with a bunch to begin with.

Jesus replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you” (Luke 17:6).

So, bring to mind your biggest challenge… do you have the faith to trust that God will see you through?  Even a little bit of faith?  Not blind optimism that God will work things out exactly as you see fit (that may not be faith, but foolishness), but belief that God will work things for the good.   Faith is trusting that God will work things out in the best way even if it differs significantly for how you or I think things should work out.

I believe that whatever you may struggle with today, God is already at work preparing an answer.

“THE FAITH I HAVE”  by Dauri Richardson

When life is full of troubles and stress.

I feel like my body and soul need a rest.

I go to my lord on my knees in prayer.

He gives me strength to forgive and care.

He causes my life to make more sense.

I feel like my troubles are not so intense.

He gives me love I don't have to earn.

The faith I have, is what I give in return.

Jesus only asked you to believe in him.

Because of faith life's trials seem less grim.

Jesus’ love cannot be measured.

And, the faith I have is my greatest treasure.