Allow faith to grow

I never really thought much about faith when I was young. Sundays were set aside for Sunday School and church services. During the summer, our faith was enhanced with Vacation Bible School. We learned of Noah’s animals two by two, the crossing of the Red Sea, Daniel in the lion’s den, and the miracle of the fiery furnace. Faith became a place we went to and the stories we heard.
Faith was also a place we lived. It provided a roof over our heads, a warm bed, and food on the table. I never considered the effort that turned the lights on at night or kept us supplied with the basic necessities of life. I never thought of the love two people shared that made faith possible. Our Dad worked two and sometimes three jobs to keep us comfortable. Our Mom joined him in the workforce to add to the monthly income. Somehow, throughout our growth, faith grew within us.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1). Our parents’ tireless efforts and unwavering love were the evidence of hope and the unseen of faith. Throughout the day, we were clothed and fed. In the evening, we were sheltered against the darkness by the pull of a chain that dangled from a single lightbulb. Their sacrifices, often unnoticed by us as children, were expressions of their faith in a better future for our family.
Somehow, the trust I had as a child has permeated my life as an adult. The stories of Sunday School have become history lessons of faith that teach me to believe beyond the impossible. The Heroes of Faith were not mythical people (Hebrews 11) but men and women who chose faith over the trials and circumstances before them. The Heroes of Faith knew God would always be there, sheltering them from the darkness of this world. The heroes learned to trust God as a child would trust a parent.
In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus emphasized the importance of child-like faith in the Christian journey. He highlighted how a child’s innocence and simple faith pave the way to Heaven. Children’s unwavering faith, trust, ability to forgive, and lack of grudges are powerful examples. As adults, we often overcomplicate life and lose sight of the fundamental truths.
Consider this: If hindsight is truly 20/20, then foresight can also be 20/20. The unwavering support of the Heavenly Father through Jesus serves as a powerful testament to His boundless love and grace. Not a day goes by without His care, and not a night passes without His watchful eye over us.
Our Heavenly Father is always attentive; he neither sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4). Just as He cares for the lilies of the field, He also keeps a watchful eye on each of us (Matthew 6:26-34).
Faith is a guiding light, illuminating our path and instilling hope in what we cannot see. We can find no greater comfort than trusting God to meet our needs, as He has many times in the past. Faith in God helps us navigate life’s challenges with strength and confidence. We may not understand His plans, but we cannot deny His presence.
The hope is that we always hold on to our faith and that we, like children, understand we are never alone. God’s grace will guide us through every challenge, and His light will drive away the darkness when we allow faith to grow within us.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.