Faith: An Invitation to Know God More
October 25, 2021
Faith: An Invitation to Know God More
By Julia Phillips
“Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” - Book of Common Prayer, Collect for Year B, Proper 25
In every moment of our lives, God offers us the gift of faith. Do we dare to open it? Sometimes faith comes in a package that is undesirable or unfamiliar. To receive the gift, first we have to see that it’s there. Then we must act and open the package. Yes, mysteriously, receiving faith requires action on our part. Sometimes that’s why we avoid it.
It feels easier to put our faith in our own plans. It feels easier to maintain our status quo. But God, in his goodness, gives us opportunities to place our trust in Him. Do any of these kinds of conversations with God resonate with you?
- “You want me to pray for that person? I don’t know what to say. What if they think I’m weird?”
- “You can deliver me out of that behavior I’ve been stuck in? No thanks. I’d rather not deal with that right now. Maybe later.”
- “Do you really want me to forgive that person? You know what they did to me.”
Struggles like these invite us to draw near to God. He is the Light, the Way, the Deliverer, the Provider.
As we seek God through his word and experience His presence in our daily lives, our faith grows. We do not naturally choose faith on our own. But the object of our faith, Jesus, is so good and powerful that he enables us to trust him and respond in faith.
Everything God offers us is for our good, our freedom, our joy, and most of all—for his glory! And he is worth it. So go ahead, know him more. Even if you do it with trembling hands, open the gift of faith that he is giving you today.
Response:
What aspect of himself is the Lord inviting you to know more deeply today: Prince of Peace, Provider, Healer, Reconciler, Voice of Good News, Deliverer, Intercessor? What circumstance is testing you to believe in him and respond in faith? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Related Resource:
Why is trust so difficult? Unlike all the broken promises of this world, God’s redeeming promises are absolute, trustworthy, and true. The covenants of God afford us with abundant reasons to trust God with his plan for our lives. Trusting God: Redeeming Promises of the Word small group Bible study explores the six major redeeming promises of God found in his Word. Learn more about God’s commitment to his people, the nature of a covenant, and how you can find your security in being a child of God’s redeeming promises. Learn more about God’s promises today.
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