Article of the
Week: Aug. 3,2003
What Kind
of Faith?
What
kind of faith do you have? Most of us probably have the faith that comes with
familiarity, tradition, and happiness. We’ve grown up in the church, perhaps,
and the faith we have is what we’ve always had. It’s the faith of those around
us. It’s what we’re used to. It’s easy faith.
Faith is too easy for many of us. So
what kind of faith does God really want? Take a look at the life of Stephen (Acts
7:54-60). He was one of the leaders in the early church. When a need arose to
help feed the widows of the church, Stephen was willing to step in as a
servant. He then spoke an eloquent, well-reasoned sermon to the Jewish leaders
of the day and he was killed for his effort.
Stephen’s faith was so deep and strong that it didn’t matter what God had planned.
Stephen knew it was from God and that was enough. He didn’t look for another
way out of the situation he faced. He didn’t talk himself into staying silent
so he could live. He spoke of faith, knowing it could cost him his life.
Now that’s faith. It’s the kind
of faith that is strong enough to put self aside and put
God first. It’s the kind of faith that doesn’t question God
or shrink in fear. It’s the kind of faith that doesn’t
run from opposition. Stephen’s faith was death-defying.
That’s the kind of faith God wants
from us. Not the easy stuff but a faith that will help us stand strong for
Christ when others mock Him or us, that will give us the power to
resist temptation, and that may even lead us to face death because
we know our lives are in God’s hands.
How about it? Have you done a faith check lately? Don’t be afraid of what’s happening around us. Just have faith, God’s in charge. J
Keeping
the faith,
*M*e*m*e*
[Source: Campus Journal 99]
