Faith, trust and risk

November 7, 2010

What is faith? The Bible says,

‘Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith is conviction in an invisible God who creates, sustains and controls the visible world. Faith is belief in what this invisible God says He has done and will do. Our faith is in a Person, not a plan or a program or even a church. Our faith is in the Person, Jesus Christ. ‘No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:18).

Faith trusts the invisible God and believes that the unseen is more solid and real than what our naked eyes can see. Faith, when exercised, will inspire others to trust God and gives God the free hand to demonstrate who He is.

Risk is part of the faith equation. Where there is no risk, there is no need for faith. Hudson Taylor, the founder of O.M.F, captured it in one statement,

"Unless there is an element of risk in your exploits for God, there is no need for faith."

Yet all risk is calculated risk. Jesus says we are to sit down and count the cost before building – and that is our role as disciples of Jesus. To do our homework thoroughly, know the cost, all the risks and consequences and then ultimately – still trust God.

When our faithfulness and faith in God come together as one, God, the Master builder, takes over. A beautiful partnership between God and us unfold and the results are miracles and divine encounters.

In following God, the greatest challenge is not circumstance, but our lack of faith in a trustworthy God.

Without faith, it is impossible to be faithful because the root of faithfulness is faith.