SS Thoughts #31: Exercising Faith

The 2015 IAAF world games have been an awesome display of talent. And we have proudly watched our regional track and field athletes outdo the world. But many of us watching the Olympics are non-athletes—we will never be able to run or jump or perform any sport at the level of those athletes, although we wish we could!

But the reality of the situation is that an athlete does not become world class by just wishing either.  Yes, they have a gift or talent but it takes practice—hours and hours each day—until they do it perfectly and it becomes a habit. Practicing for them is like a job for you and me.

There is a common phrase that everybody has heard—“use it or lose it”. This term is often used to refer to athletic performance but it also applies to our faith.

Yes, faith is a gift from God, (read Ephesians 2:8), but that doesn’t mean that it will just stay with us forever. Faith needs to be exercised. It needs to become a steadfast part of our lives—a habit to trust in God. And like any habit, the more we do it the stronger it becomes, and the harder it is to break! The opposite is also true – if we do not exercise our faith then we will lose it.

In brief:

o   Faith is a gift

o   We must exercise it every day

o   Faith that is exercised during good and bad times becomes a habit. It becomes a strong shield that will help us to survive in this sinful world. That kind of faith will not fall under the weight of stress encountered in daily life, or when we need it most in times of great tribulation.

Do not despair when your faith is being tested. Do not just give in either. Your experiences will make you stronger.