Faith … (and we ain’t talking about Hill)

By the BC Crew

faith[i]   [feyth]

NOUN

1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.

2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.

3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.

4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.

5. a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.

With respect to #5, the word translated as "faith" in the New Testament is the Greek word πίστις which can also be translated "belief", "faithfulness", and "trust".  There are various views in Christianity regarding the nature of faith.  And, there are numerous views regarding the results of faith.  Some believe that true faith results in good works, while others believe that while faith in Jesus brings eternal life, it does not necessarily result in good works.

Regardless of which approach to faith a Christian takes, all agree that the Christian faith is aligned with the ideals and the example of the life of Jesus.  The Christian sees the mystery of God and his grace and seeks to know and become obedient to God.  To a Christian, faith is not static but causes one to learn more of God and to grow; Christian faith has its origin in God.[ii]

We see the word all of the time, and here it used in all of its many contexts regularly … but, when was the last time that you really had to ponder it deeply … or rely on it?

Generally, “having faith” refers to some of our rougher and tougher times … but as we see it, the moment that you truly “have” faith in something – well, it will bring relief and hope!

This was really brought home to us over the Memorial Day weekend when ol’ PF told dad about a mutual college buddy, Cody, that was in pretty bad shape medically.  It seems that ol’ PF saw it on SpaceBook©.  Well, it just so happens that dad and Cody are also “SpaceBook© Friends” – so we got online and checked out what was up with dad’s bud!

Yep, sure enough – he is in a pretty bad way (he had a pretty bad stroke - but he is steadily improving and has a LOT of prayer warriors on his side - and some ABSOLUTELY loving family around!)  Dad (and us BC’s) are actually checking SpaceBook© multiple times a day (versus the once every two to three week norm) just to check up on ol’ Cody!  You see, as dad tells it, way back when … when he was in college, Cody was there too.  Seems like Cody ALWAYS had a big ol’ smile on his face (or at least a grin).  We don’t think that he was quite as mischievous as some of dad’s other buds – but he was around and was always happy and always ready to help!

Anyway, we ‘spect that many of you are wondering, “What in the world does this have to do with Faith?”

Well … “Hold your horses!” – we’re about to get there!

Cody’s wife, Miss Diana, has been posting updates on Cody two or three times a day.  Dad says that he hasn’t ever met her, but her postings are not only informational … but also inspirational!  She must be a heck of a lady considering what she’s going through!  Based on what we’ve read, she mentions Cody’s dog, friends, his mom, other family, horses, and cows!  Yes sir, they certainly have a close circle of loved ones for support (two legged ones, as well as four!).

There are some religious references in her updates – not overpowering, but you can certainly tell that she understands what she is referring to – she, and Cody, know Jesus and fully understand all that that entails!  Along that thought – Miss Diana wrote (in part) on June 2^nd:

“I had a lot of meditation time. I was praising God for His wonderful promises and peace, when this song came on. On one of my darkest nights, this song was playing and I really began to mediate on what kind of offering little me could possibly give to my Creator. I looked at Cody's limp body, and honestly stopped my thoughts when the suggestion came up that I might give HIM as my offering. That would mean the nasty "C" word...control. But then that hot flush feeling hit when you know God is talking to you, and I felt like I was walking off a cliff. To REALLY let go of someone...of control...of that frantic sense of "oh my God if I don't DO something he'll die" thing...THAT takes a radical decision, kind of like the kind you do need when you are jumping off a tall precipice. Well, I jumped because I knew I had NO choice - I couldn't save Cody. I gave Cody as an offering because he is THE most important thing to me. I said "here, he's Yours...hands off...no matter WHAT." Now...trust. Pray. Wait. Stand. Speak those promises. Stand. Wait. Pray. I believe that when I did that, an electrical connection was made and I settled into an unfathomable peace. Since then, I have almost felt irresponsible because by the world's standards, I "should" be more frantic. But I'm not. God is faithful, and I know it more than ever.”

Well … that really choked dad up when he first read it (and it still does) – he could read and feel the Peace in Miss Diana’s words with that paragraph!  Not necessarily just the acceptance … but absolutely Faith and Peace!

In Christianity, faith causes change as it seeks a greater understanding of God.  Faith is not only fideism or simple obedience to a set of rules or statements.  Before Christians have faith, they must understand in whom and in what they have faith.  Without understanding, there cannot be true faith, and that understanding is built on the foundation of the community of believers, the scriptures and traditions and on the personal experiences of the believer.

In our thoughts … there is definitely a plan in place, we may not be privy to the details and even if we were, we might not even understand it … but we all truly believe that THERE IS a plan!  When we know and accept Lord Jesus as our savior – we have to have FAITH in that plan.

Sounds real easy, doesn’t it?  Well we really wish that no one ever has to rely on the level of faith that Miss Diana is right now - but we know that all of us will encounter events in our lives to one degree or the other where we will need that faith!  And we pray that we can all achieve that level of faith that she has attained!

Love and Prayers still heading your way Cody (and Miss Diana too!)!!

God Bless!!!

The BC Crew