Can we lift the weight of sin with our intellect?
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Believing in God is not faith; it is Living in God that IS!
You could line up thousands of demons with drums and bugle for a parade and they might pronounce the presence of God as truth; but that does not exemplify any type of faith. So it is with people who attend church and say they pray to God yet the faith they need falls short of reality.
“Now faith is the assurance of things not seen.” Simply put, the biblical definition of faith is “trusting in something you cannot explicitly prove.” (Heb 11: 1).
The trust one needs goes further than words alone; it is finding within oneself the very trust that opens a communication between you and the divine entity of Christ that is longer than than a measuring rod that only goes so far. You must be able to trust that each moment you feel alone from the troubles of life the deep connection between you and God becomes a unified hand clasp that can only last forever.
How often we might hear from those who ask constantly for prayers that their unwanted problems are getting the best of them. Of course we will respond as asked and do their bidding by seeking the grace of God for them. As I began to surmise a particular person’s request for prayer the thought that entered my mind was, “something is missing.” Then the Spirit told me it is faith that this person is avoiding and keeps a hold on so many material achievements that are not there and is placing a rampart between themself and God’s grace.
Here is where an understanding of how faith within the reality of God’s deep concern for closeness to each of us is the premise that opens the communication between divinity and humanity in a love relationship that surpasses any other type of understanding of what faith is all about.
When we surmise the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love we need to understand the depth of meaning to each in a manner that leaves no doubt as to their impact upon our thirsting for God’s grace on our finiteness.
In retrospect we need to address our needs with a belief that the Lord does hear us or those whom we ask to pray for needs believing that within a heart of sure faith that is deeper than just words will be granted if the request is what the Will of God wants for us.
Ralph B. Hathaway
I am an ordained deacon with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, since June 8, 1974. My current ministry is concentrated on writing spiritual reflections and poetry. I am married, with one grown daughter, and 4 grandchildren. I retired from the electrical industry after 58 years as an electrician, contractor, teacher in trade schools, and electrical inspector with a PA State license
