BOB RICHMOND

Faith is not built in times of comfort. It grows when God leads us into something greater than we can handle. Every major work that has ever honoured God required His power to succeed. From the temple David longed to build, to the ministry buildings and churches of today, all of them began when people trusted God with what seemed too big for them.

When David realized that God had chosen Solomon to build the temple, he did not turn away in disappointment. Instead, he prepared everything he could and encouraged the people to give toward a vision he would never see completed. He praised God before the congregation, reminding them that all power, wealth, and glory belong to the Lord. What David understood is still true: nothing we have is really ours. God owns everything, and we are only managers of what He places in our care.

Faith starts by recognizing God’s ownership. When we hold tightly to our possessions, we act as if God forgot about us. But He never has. Jesus said that if God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers, He will care for us too. Putting God first does not place us in danger. It brings us under His care.

Many people hesitate to trust God because they want to see the outcome before they act. But that is not faith. Abraham left his home without knowing where he was going. He trusted that God’s promise was enough. Peter stepped out of a boat to walk on the water, not because it made sense, but because Jesus said, “Come.” Both men saw what God can do when someone says yes.

Faith also relies on God’s power. We are not asked to accomplish great things on our own. God works through His people when they surrender their abilities, time, and resources to Him. When we trust God, He multiplies what we give. .

Throughout history, people have risked everything for what they believed was right. The early founders of nations and countless others acted in faith, trusting that freedom and truth were worth the cost. In the same way, every church, missionary, and believer who steps forward in faith participates in something eternal.

Even the poorest believer can give something to God. Scripture shows that when people offer what little they have, God blesses and provides for them. The widow who shared her last meal with Elijah saw her food never run out. Hudson Taylor, a missionary who gave his last coin to a hungry family, found that God supplied his needs the next day. These stories are not about loss. They are about trust.

Faith is not only about believing in God’s power but also rejoicing in His provision. When we give what He asks, we open the way for Him to show His faithfulness. David rejoiced that God allowed him to give toward the temple, knowing that everything came from God in the first place.

Saying yes to God in faith may look different for each person. For some, it may be trusting God with finances; for others, it may mean surrendering future plans or stepping forward in service. Whatever the case, God asks for a simple yes. He does not require us to see the full picture, only to trust Him with the next step.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6