What is Faith?

"Faith is trusting God--believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles."     Education pg 253

What does true faith look like? We often claim to have faith, but I have personally come to realize that true faith and claimed faith are often very different things. When the future seems clear, and everything is smooth sailing, it is easy for me to say that I believe. When the future seems uncertain however, and things held so dear are taken away from me, that is when it becomes clear whether or not I know what true faith is. True faith means trusting God even when we cannot see what the end-result will be. True faith means letting go of the things we don't own in the first place, and believing that the true Owner of our lives will only allow and do that which is best for us. If we believe in a God of love, and that He never makes any mistakes, then we can't help but trust that He will do that which is best for us. 

Too often I hand things over to God with bated breath, as though He might make a mistake, instead of handing things over to God with a sigh of relief. There is no safer place for my deepest desires than to leave them in the hands of Jesus.

Too often I find that we somehow have this illusion that handing things over to God is a sacrifice. We view ourselves as martyrs willing to give up our own desires for Christ. But is it really a sacrifice? How could the greatest end-results possible be considered a sacrifice? 

When it comes to faith I am but a babe.  "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." Luke 17:6 This verse gives me an idea of how much more growing I need to do. Too often my faith crumbles when trials come my way, instead of becoming stronger. Too often I focus on the problems instead of on the One who can enable me to move mountains.

Teach me today Father precious lessons of faith. May I grow a little every day, and help me trust You moment by moment. May every trial that comes my way only strengthen my faith. Lord I believe, help my unbelief!