Wednesday 6 August 2014

Despite Doubt: Leap of Faith and Knowledge



Despite Doubt: Leap of Faith and Knowledge


Do we need to doubt to believe? Thomas was told by Jesus,
“Because you have seen me, you have believed (John 20:29). When Christ returns will he find faithful people?
Knowledge actually strengthens faith, for it reduces the hesitancy that comes from uncertainty. Faith means to give ourselves wholeheartedly to the promises of God. This includes a measure of uncertainty because we have not yet received all that God has promised.
People talk of a leap of faith but it is really a double edged metaphor for our trust in God. On the one hand it captures the risk that inevitably accompanies every act of faith. And on the other belief requires our full commitment. A leap of faith really is a risk that accompanies faith not the essence of faith.
A blind leap of faith is not biblical for we are to rely on what we know.  An example of this is when the Israelites saw the great power of God displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him. (Ex. 14:31). John’s purpose in writing his gospel John 20:30-31—Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
True faith contains three elements- we know the facts about God; we acknowledge that these facts are true and it bursts into bloom when we wholeheartedly trust what we known- know, acknowledge and trust. Faith means to trust,  commit or put all of weight on someone or something. Because faith requires us to go all in  the smart money always trusts what it knows, not what it does not..
REFLECT for a moment and respond:
How would you describe the relationship between faith and doubt? Is doubt necessary for faith, is doubt the opposite of faith, or is there a third option? Would you find it easier to love and obey God if you heard His voice thundering from heaven? Why or why not?

 PRAYER
Faithful God I believe. Help me to trust in you, acknowledge who you are and to know you more. Show me again what it means to live for you each day. Amen.

Michael E Wittmer, Despite Doubt: Embracing a Confident Faith ch.4-5

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