Hidden quietly and subtly in Hebrews 11 is a core tenet of Christianity: a powerfully concise definition of faith. It’s laid out so simply: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Surely it’s as easy as described, right? Maybe not.
In what I believe to be one of the major challenges in my life — an effort that brings me both frustration and deep satisfaction — is the ongoing struggle to maintain faith in a world so constantly trying to undermine it. We are increasingly barraged by incalculable inhumanity, confounding unkindness and obscene greed. In the face of such barriers, how can one remain faithful?
Well, maybe that question is actually the answer.
I’ve found when I fully embrace the question of faith, live in the uncertainty and make myself available to its surprising power, I find it much more present, more palpable, in my life. It’s my personal relationship with the unprovable; a letting go of my need for facts, supporting data and research findings. Is it your path?
Maybe. But I suspect each of us has his or her own very uniquely personal relationship with faith — and as many of us as there are, so are the number of distinct relationships with faith.
How magical!
