chris and becka warner

Today I was reminded of what one of our lecturers said about faith: “To be filled with faith is to be faithful.” Yet the televangelist would have us believe that faith is a confidence; an emotion or mindset that will equate into prosperity, peace, health, and every other good thing. When our lives do not yield these blessings (which, if we are honest, is quite often), we are left to assume that our faith has failed us. What a far cry from the biblical understanding of faith: the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). To be filled with faith is to be faithful; to put our assurance and confidence in the goodness of God when the situations and circumstances of life would cause us to doubt that goodness. Faith believes in a Kingdom not seen, while living in a world that in every way mocks not only the plausibility of such a Kingdom, but crucifies the King himself. Faith has the audacity to speak of healing, peace, and joy in world plagued with evil, suffering, and poverty. Faith, like Job, declares, “I know my redeemer lives and will take His stand on the Earth.” Faith, like David, declares, “I know you are pleased with me,” when we are close to death and overwhelmed by our enemies. Faith, like the man in John, sits beside a pool invalid for thirty-eight years, believing in the goodness of God. Faith does not cure the cross; it embraces it and endures it, because faith looks beyond to an empty tomb. Having faith is being faithful; trusting in God’s character until we experience what we already know: “your faith has made you well.”