A reader wrote this kind note to me:
You are quite amazing with the faith you demonstrate when things are out of your control. You make them seem (to some degree) as if they are in control: the control of the Almighty God. You should be in contention for a medal in life’s Olympics.
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I certainly appreciate those kinds words, although I hardly live up to them. I feel I have very little faith.
What appears to be faith is to me just a realization of God’s faithfulness. God has never failed me, so it’s easy to trust Him when things get tough. I’m not sure if that means I have faith or not, I just know that God has never let us down, never once. Maybe I’ve stumbled across what faith is without even realizing it.
To me, it’s like having “faith” the sun will rise. It’s been proven true so many times, that you don’t to have a whole lot of faith to think it is going to come up tomorrow. In the same way, I have seen God provide, answer prayer, orchestrate events and bless so many times, I have more confidence that He will take care of me than I have that the sun will rise tomorrow. Is that faith, or just recognizing reality?
If I were to be judged in life’s Olympics on my holiness, dedication and devotion, I’m afraid I would be disqualified. The more I come to understand God’s holiness and true righteousness, the larger the gap becomes between my life, and God’s standard. Fortunately, Jesus has won the gold medal for me (and every Believer) already, so I get to stand on the podium next to Him, and because of Him. On my own, I can’t even get my running shoes tied correctly. But Jesus has won the marathon in record time, and while it will take some time for me to limp and crawl to the finish line to meet Him, the results are in.
If we have faith, it is because Jesus is the object of our faith. If we trust, it is because God is trustworthy. If we deserve a “medal” it’s because God considers Jesus’ performance, not ours. I look forward to getting my gold medal, pounding it into a crown, and casting it at Jesus’ feet.
Matthew 25:20-21 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (NKJV)
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (NKJV)
Revelation 4:9-11 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (NKJV)