Faith renewal

Do you have faith? What is faith? I mean really, do we live by faith? My life has experienced a few trials this past week in which faith has been a word that has conquered my soul. The Word of God challenges us to live by faith (Romans 1:17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 10:38), but do we really do this? I struggle. In all areas, am I constantly giving my full reliance and trust in the sovereign God of this world?

Last weekend, I attended a wonderful conference with a few friends. While coming home from the conference, I received a call that my 5 month old pregnant wife was in a car accident with a friend. I was scared. My wife's phone was dead, so I couldn't talk to her. Thankfully, her friend was kind enough to allow Brooke to call me with her phone. By God's amazing grace, the accident didn't harm the baby. Both my wife and her friend were hurt, but only muscle bruising and soreness in the ribs. Please pray for their recovery.

I was scared. Where was my faith then? Did I think about my sovereign Lord, who was in control of it all? For a few moments...I didn't really think about Him. My thoughts were aimed at my wife and child's health. I'm ashamed to say that the song I sing in church ("My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness) was not the song in my heart at that moment. Why? If I have faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness for my sins...why did I panic? Oh, may His Spirit help me to live by faith daily.

My dad had surgery a few days ago. I had faith in the surgeon's hands. By God's grace, my dad was fine. However, I had a few small moments of fear and concern. Perhaps that is ok...but still, my thoughts at those moments weren't on the Savior. Oh, may His Spirit help me to live by faith daily.

I can go on, but I'll stop for now. My short challenge for you today is to live by faith...I mean, really live by faith. Don't just say it. Do it. Enjoy it. Thank God for it, for we have faith only as a gift from Him! (Ephesians 2:9).

My friend just arrived. Got to run.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Dave