“F”aith that’s teeny, tiny and trusting

Have you ever said, “I wish I had more faith?” I have.

In one of my recent readings, I was reminded that it’s not up to me to have lots of faith. Jesus talks about having faith the size of a mustard seed (Luke 17:6), which is fairly small. What’s more important – what I need to keep in mind – is the object of my faith. The all-knowing, always-present God is with me. He is the object of my faith and he’s the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Yesterday I blogged about my experience getting into Journalism school. When I was younger, I had faith in God that couldn’t be shaken. I moved up to Boulder into a dorm room without the finances to pay for college. I took steps toward reaching that goal (applying for financial aid, etc.) but when I moved my belongings and chose my first semester classes, I didn’t know if I’d be able to stay. Each semester the finances came together so I could attend and eventually graduate.

At the age of 50, I find I am more fearful and hesitant of the unknown, of the future, yet the object of my faith hasn’t changed. I find myself feeling less deserving of God’s grace. Again, pretty arrogant of me to think that I am the one doing something to elicit God’s blessings. Most times, I’m sure he blesses me in spite of myself.

In college, I belonged to an ecumenical Christian organization that had a saying about faith. Faith wasn’t just believing that there was a stable, four-legged chair in front of me. Faith was actually putting my bottom in the chair and trusting it to support me.

As I move forward this week, I want to keep the following Bible verses in mind, to remind me of the object of my faith. What are some of your favorite verses related to faith?

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

 “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

“… declare Your (God’s) lovingkindness in the morning and your faithfulness by night.” Psalm 92:2

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:16

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Matthew 6:26