Greg Chandler
02/08/16
In 2007, an intriguing structure was built on the edge of the Grand Canyon. In order to give tourists a better view of this wonder of nature, a glass bottomed skywalk was added to the canyon’s north rim, allowing its visitors to walk over what would otherwise be a life-ending drop. Interestingly, many cannot enjoy the view. Rather than walking freely on the Skywalk, they cling tenaciously to the rails as their minds tell them there is danger. Though the intellect knows the glass structure to be safe, visual cues present a very different story as its see-through surface makes it appear that it should not be trusted. Such “mind problems” can also be the case with faith.
As Peter urged his readers to partake in the divine nature, he listed qualities necessary for this accomplishment. In an almost presupposed manner, Peter noted that these qualities would supplement faith (see II Peter 1:5); thus, faith is the foundation on which partaking of the divine nature is built. Faith, however, can be a very confusing concept. In its most basic sense, faith is defined as “confidence or trust in a person or thing” (dictionary.com). In its biblical use, W.E. Vine defines the word in this way: “Firm persuasion," a conviction based upon hearing…is used in the NT always of "faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual." As made clearer in Vine’s definition, faith is based upon someone or something that cannot be seen; therefore, faith is needed to believe in God since He is outside of human visual perception. Herein lies the problem for many. Like those frightened tourists walking where their minds tell them there is no visible support, this concept of not only believing in, but also showing absolute trust in an unseen God creates similar unrest. Their minds tell them that this is blind trust, with no visible means of support. This, however, is far from the truth.
God has never asked His people for blind faith. While this would certainly be His prerogative as Creator, He instead has provided clear indicators He can fulfill what has been promised. Consider an example of this as He led His people from Egypt. Through His servant Moses, God promised to bring His people out of captivity with a mighty hand. How, though, could a people who had languished in slavery for many years walk triumphantly out of the oppressor’s hand? Faith was required, but not blind faith. In ten very public plagues, the Lord brought the Pharaoh’s empire to its knees. Did the Israelites “see” God in person? No. Did the Israelites see God in action? Yes! Though these great faith building feats would soon be displaced by their carnal cravings, the Lord had provided strong evidence that He could be trusted to fulfill His promises.
The Hebrew writer catalogued numerous examples of faith in action. With each person of faith listed in chapter 11, their background included occasions where the Lord had demonstrated that He could be trusted. While these individuals demonstrated great personal faith, their examples are recorded to build our faith. Just as God never asked these people to blindly trust in Him, neither does He ask this of us. In this chapter housing a variety of individuals, from diverse backgrounds, in different time periods, one common denominator clearly shines through; God can be trusted!
It is only on this bedrock of trust that strong faith can be built. A cacophony of “strong faith” singers typically occurs when life is going well. When dark times come, however, this melody of strength can quickly transform into the minor key of despair. It is on these difficult occasions that one can truly measure the depth of trust in God; here it will be determined whether or not one believes that God can do what He has promised to do. When feeling all alone, will God be faithful to His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 5:13b)? When economic downturns occur, can God be trusted in His assurance that if we “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things will be added to us” (Matthew 6:33)? When spiritual tests are pressing in hard, can God be trusted in His promise that “you will not be tempted beyond your ability” (I Corinthians 10:13a)? During the good times, we often say “God is good to His children.” Do we believe this in the hard times as well? Do we believe He can be trusted?
The canyon tourist must allow the intellect to conquer the faulty misconceptions registered by the eye. Partakers of the divine nature must allow the intellect to conquer the fears raised by misunderstandings surrounding faith. God has a proven record; He can be trusted. When the times of testing come, the child of faith will consider the divine evidence that has been provided and firmly trust, no matter how things might appear, that If God has made a promise, that promise will be fulfilled. We can be assured He will never leave us standing on a spiritual ledge with no support!
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”
-- Hebrews 11:1