October 23

The Roll Of Faith

And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, — Heb 11:32-33 BSB

Faith is the link between our souls and God. It is the capacity to enter into fellowship with His eternal love and power, so that we can do all things knowing it is not we, but God in us, working through us. Faith is the door and window through which we reach out to God in dependence, and He comes in to strengthen us with His divine fullness.

Just as trust in a person allows us to draw from them all that they can offer, so faith draws upon the resources of God, allowing His strength to flow into our lives, multiplying the results of our efforts. Faith is possible even amid great ignorance. Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah knew far less about God than we do now through the Gospel, yet their work was powered by their faith. God’s revelation has grown over time, but faith has always remained the same—whether in the simple faith of the woman who touched Christ’s garment or in St. John, who learned at Christ’s feet.

Faith produces different results in different people. For some, it gives heroic strength to overcome great obstacles; for others, it provides the endurance to bear long periods of suffering. In one case, it may stop the mouths of lions; in another, it may turn away the sword (Hebrews 11:32-39). Like electricity, which powers everything from lights to cars to communication devices, faith taps into God’s might and applies it to whatever task lies before us—whether it’s an active challenge or a passive trial.

God always bears witness to those who trust Him. He never fails us in the hour of need. His response is like the spark that lights up the tramcar the moment it connects to the power source. So too, God answers faith.

Prayer

O God, we are full of need, but we know You give power to the faint and strength to those who lack might. Turn our weakness into Your strength, our ignorance into Your wisdom, and our changeableness into Your everlasting constancy. Amen.