Faith is the Victory

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

If you’ve read anything written by Joni Eareckson Tada, you know she is a woman of faith. At age 16, she dove into the Chesapeake Bay and broke her neck; she emerged a quadriplegic.

In her book, A Christmas Longing, Joni tells how she at first spit out the paintbrushes that her therapist wanted her to clench between her teeth. But today, at age 76, she not only paints but has become a prolific writer and supporter of people with disabilities through her ministry Joni and Friends.

Even though Joni suffers from chronic pain and paralysis from the neck down, she maintains an enviable faith that sees beyond this life and looks forward to life with God when she will once again be active, whole, and pain-free.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

We all like to see our prayers answered. If we pray for healing, we want to get well. If we pray for a new car, we want the money to buy one. But faith requires us to give up control and let God decide what is best. Oftentimes, He works in surprising ways.

Rather than hand us a car, He may hand us a better job. Or not. In which case He wants to develop our faith.

I’ve always loved the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the king when he threatened to throw them into a fiery furnace if they would not worship him. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it …. But even if he does not … we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18, NIV)

These men trusted God to save them, and they trusted God even if He did not.

That’s faith.

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Romans 10:17, NIV)

Get to know Christ as your Savior and your faith will develop naturally. Read your Bible. Pray. Go to church. Serve. It’s our privilege as Christians and results in a faith that will never fail us, whether or not our prayers are answered to our liking.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What steps might you take to deepen your faith so that you can survive and thrive in spite of challenges God permits in your life?

2. Thank God for a prayer He answered in a way you expected; then thank Him for the strength you developed when a prayer was not answered to your liking.

3. Be sure to take time to pray each day, worshipping God for who He is and thanking Him for his grace for the day.