Enjoying the Ride
What does it take to have faith in God?
And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’- Luke 18:6-8
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus tells of the unjust judge, who relents and gives justice to the woman who tormented him, coming back day after day to appeal to him.
He ends with an interesting question. Even though God grants justice to those who seek him, will the Son of Man find faith among the people when he comes?
We know what he's getting at, don't we? He's saying we will fail to seek God's help and do things our way instead.
When times are tough, we turn to God, but unless we have faith, unless we truly believe, we will fail to gain what we seek.
In other words, we shouldn't hedge our bets.
Those of us raised with a fear of taking risks might find that approach dangerous and unwise. We were taught never to put all our eggs in one basket, for fear of the basket breaking and all would be lost.
Yet, when it comes to God, what other basket is as safe?
Jesus challenged his disciples to give up their self-reliance and put all their trust in God. That's not easy to do.
Certainly it doesn't mean we abandon our studies and take the tests without preparation. There is work on our part to live our life in faith. We need to keep up our part of the deal, working at our faith to strengthen it and help it grow.
There will be times when all the ducks align, when things go unexpectedly right and the outcome we never expected comes to pass. At those moments, we should stop and take notice. Was that God?
Faith is powerful. It drives us into the darkness, knowing the light is with us and we will not be lost or blind.
So, today, I venture out in faith, seeking God's will in all I do. I have no fear, because I know what God intends for me is true and needed, and I will not falter with His help.
I guess it is like getting on a roller coaster. I just have to hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
More to come...