“Have A Little Faith”
Today’s scripture selection: Romans 1-2
Key verses: Romans 1:16-17
Life these days requires more than a little faith. Just to get up in the morning and get out on a typical morning commute requires that. Sometimes I get the feeling I could switch off the engine of my car and just get pushed along to my destination by the car following me only inches away. While on that commute, I turn on the radio, only to be reminded that our city is on “high alert” due to the latest terrorist threat. Friends and family arrive at work and are warned by their employers that “things are tough out there,” and that productivity better be at top levels. Either that, or there may be a pink slip waiting for them at the end of the day. Arriving home, a tired and frustrated Mom or Dad learns that their little one isn’t performing up to new “standards” and that they need to schedule a conference with the teacher. On and on it goes – it takes faith just to get through the day sometimes.
But the real question is faith in what? Or to put it even more clearly faith in whom? Are we to meet the challenges of our day with faith in ourselves; our political institutions; our cleverness or skill set; our spouse; our luck? That’s what some people count on – not much more than personal attributes or family connections or the simple luck of the draw. Often I hear someone lament that the “cards” just haven’t been dealt very kindly – and that he or she must just “make the best of it.”
Well, I have another suggestion. Have a little faith – not in this world and what it has to offer – but in the One who created it. Have a little faith in a divine plan that includes you. Have a little faith in a God who loves you and will provide for you if only can you can muster the trust to rely on Him. Have a little faith that things, seen from an eternal perspective, make more sense than they appear to from your limited view.
“The righteous shall live by faith.” That’s about a lot more than just following religious rules and regulations. And it’s certainly about more than how to be “righteous” in your own eyes. It’s about how God cares for you, day in and day out, while on that morning commute; or living in an increasingly violent and unstable world; or meeting your day’s challenges at work; or raising or family; or just making it through another twenty-four hours. Live by faith – not in yourself; not in the luck of the draw – but in God’s providential, perfect care.
Prayer: Eternal, loving God, each day help me to walk as a person of faith. And help me to share that faith in bold confidence, not self-righteously, but in gratitude and hope. Show me those who need to have a word of encouragement; those who may be losing their faith, that I may be an instrument of your grace. In Christ’s holy name, AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 
Thanks, Paul! I could hear your calming and reassuring voice I read your devotional. I hope you and your lovely wife are doing well. Craig was awesome this summer. I hadn’t gotten up for 3 years. It was special being up there with Rober Sharp, Jimmy Perkins, Sarah and Andy Trezza (who I actually taught when he was in 2nd grade!), Chris Davis, and lots of new friends as well. I hope you get to get up to the mountain again soon. It’s always a special time as you well know!
Take care!
Suzanne