Faith: Part V

Trust.

The word above is comprised of just five characters strung together, but placed in the exact order as above, trust is a word that is extremely powerful. For things great and small, there is a measure of trust placed in many things that happen seamlessly, and even unnoticeably at times, except when thought about with care, concern and purpose.

We trust when we put the trash out a night that it will be picked up in the morning. We trust the teller at the bank to credit our deposit to the correct account. We also trust that if we leave the door unlocked at home as we make a quick trip to the grocery store for milk, our things and belongings will be there when we return. All of these examples require varying measures of trust.

A greater measure of trust is required in relationships. When thinking about the principle of faith, we need to remember that trust is a necessary ingredient.

Let's revisit a verse from Proverbs. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Placing an all-encompassing, undivided and unwavering measure of trust in the Lord can only be accomplished by having faith.

We started the chapter by identifying that to have faith is to believe in something without the burden of proof. Seeing, is not believing, with respect to faith. However, it is the human element within us that causes the greatest struggle in our quest for defining and developing faith. In turn, we must trust.

Paul writes in Galatians 2:16, "Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ."

Here, Paul is making reference to the Mosaic Law. Who could possibly adhere to 613 rules that they might be righteous in the eyes of others? It is hard enough to stay within the guiderails of the Ten Commandments. Stepping out in faith does require action, but it is more about how we approach daily living. Can we take one step, and then another in our actions, on faith?

The men and women at the time of Jesus's birth had proof. The could physically see a baby lying in a manger. In His ministry, Jesus spent 33 years on earth preparing people for His death, so that all who would enter into a relationship with Him would find life everlasting.

Faith and Trust are like two fisherman in the same boat navigating the sea of life. It takes both of them together to reach the desired destination.

Can you find an area in your life today that requires both faith and trust?