Have Faith?

“I know I should have faith, but I just don’t think he’s going to make it,” my friend said.

“You should have faith in God, and you do,” I answered, “but that’s different from having faith that he will get well.”

I sat there, thinking. Is that true? I wondered. I’d never given it a thought before that moment.  We were praying earnestly and constantly–truly “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV.) Should we have confidence that God would heal him, no matter how dire his situation? Her husband’s heart attack, similar to my dad’s 30 years ago, had done such tremendous damage that it soon became apparent that he, too, was beyond medical help.

Many times I’ve prayed for healing for loved ones, and they died. But many, especially with terminal diseases, lived beyond what the doctors expected. What does that mean to us, as Christians? Does that shake our faith or strengthen it? What is faith, anyway? Is it the same as trust? If it is, then I can continue to trust God even though my life might crumble around me. I can trust–I can have faith–that he will constantly be with me, supporting me, comforting me, encouraging me through the words and actions of friends and family, through his Word, and through his Holy Spirit.

So now that my friend’s husband has passed on, it’s my responsibility to show her God’s faithfulness through my words and actions.  We are to be Jesus to the lost, the poor, and the hurting. We might have to travel around the world to reach the lost, or across town to help the poor, but the hurting are always to be found right where we are. They are here, waiting for us to listen and to pray. We must be open to the Spirit’s guidance to reach out to the hurting.

Jesus said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14: 26-27, NIV.) My grieving friend can be comforted by the Holy Spirit, but also by the Holy Spirit working through other believers and through me. Now I must be open to that Holy Spirit guidance.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;  therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24, NIV)

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