Category: What do you think?

Faith that Says Yes

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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.

J. Hudson Taylor: Pioneer Missionary

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

Staying Humble Through Struggles

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AMY TURNER

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote about a “thorn in the flesh” that he carried. He described it as a messenger from Satan, something that caused him pain and hardship. Paul believed God allowed this trial to remain, even though it could have been taken away instantly. The reason was clear to him: He believed God wanted to keep him from becoming proud after receiving great revelations.

The Bible makes it plain that pride is something God does not accept, especially in those who serve Him. Pride places the focus on ourselves instead of on God. Paul’s struggle reminds us that God sometimes allows difficulties in our lives for a greater purpose. These challenges may feel heavy, but they can shape us into people who rely on God rather than on our own strength.

When suffering comes, it may not always be punishment. At times, it may be a tool used by God to help us walk in humility and stay close to Him.

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

James 4:10

God Never Forgets His People

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WILLIAM KILLIAN

We see in the story of Noah that God does not abandon those who belong to Him, even in times of judgment and silence. The flood in Genesis was not only a story of destruction but also a picture of God’s justice and mercy. Humanity had become deeply corrupt. Every thought and desire was filled with evil, and God was grieved by what His creation had become. Because He is holy, He could not ignore sin. The flood was His judgment on a world that had turned away from Him.

Yet, in the middle of this judgment, there was grace. God chose to save Noah and his family, not because they were perfect, but because He showed mercy. For a full year, Noah lived on the ark while the world outside was covered with water. During that long silence, he may have wondered if God had forgotten him. But God never forgets His people. Genesis 8 begins with the words, “God remembered Noah.”

God showed His care for Noah in three clear ways. First, He began to dry the waters. The wind He sent over the earth slowly caused the flood to recede until the ark rested on the mountains of Ararat. Second, God gave Noah signs to encourage him including the raven and the dove. The final sign, when the dove did not return, showed that the earth was ready for new life. These signs showed Noah that God was still working. Finally, God spoke to Noah again, telling him to leave the ark. Noah did not move until God gave His command. Even after the land was dry, Noah waited for God’s word.

This patient faith is an example for us. God’s people today are not called to look for signs to know His will. We have something greater. We have His written word and the Holy Spirit to guide us. Still, God often gives us small reminders of His care, timely help, encouragement from others, or answered prayer. These are His tokens of love, gentle signs that He remembers us.

The flood and the cross both show how seriously God takes sin. Our salvation came only because God placed our sin on His Son. Jesus bore God’s judgment in our place. If this is what it cost for us to be forgiven, we must not treat sin lightly. Instead, we should live with gratitude, trusting that the God who saved us will never forget us.

When life feels uncertain and God seems silent, we can look to His word and remember His promise. Just as He remembered Noah, He remembers all who trust in Christ. He will not forsake His children.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,”

Hebrews 13:5

The Power of an Unfinished Story

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STEVE MORGAN

In literature, there is a well-known idea called “the power of the unfinished story.” Some authors choose not to end their stories neatly. Instead, they stop suddenly or leave parts untold. This invites readers to think, imagine, and even participate by wondering how the story might continue. Writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Jane Austen left stories incomplete. The Lighthouse and Sanditon are examples. But this idea does not only belong to literature. The book of Acts in the New Testament ends in a similar way. It ends without closure. The author, Luke, leaves it open, as though the story must continue through those who follow Jesus today.

When Acts ends, the Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome. His journey to that point is full of danger and faith. In chapter 27, Paul and other prisoners survive a shipwreck after their vessel breaks apart near an unknown island. Soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to stop them from escaping, but the Roman officer Julius prevents it, moved by his respect for Paul. Everyone reaches land safely. It happened exactly as God had told Paul in a vision. The group finds themselves on the island of Malta, where local people welcome them kindly and build a fire to warm them.

As Paul helps by gathering sticks, a viper bites his hand. The locals assume he must be guilty of a terrible crime and that the gods are punishing him. But when he shows no sign of harm, their opinion changes. But now they now believe he is divine. It’s amazing how easily people’s views can shift when they lack a steady foundation. Paul’s survival, however, is not a matter of luck. It is one more sign that God’s presence remains with him through every hardship. Just as God was with him in prison, during the storm, and now on this island, He continues to guide His servant.

While on Malta, Paul meets a man named Publius, the chief official of the island. Publius welcomes the group into his home, but his father is seriously ill. Paul prays for him, lays his hands on him, and the man is healed. Soon, many others on the island come to Paul for healing, and God restores them too. In each case, are we not shown that He is with us? Though not every believer experiences miracles, God still makes Himself known, often through quiet assurance, timely words, or the encouragement of others.

After three months on Malta, Paul and the others set sail again. When they arrive in the Italian port of Puteoli, they meet fellow believers who invite them to stay for seven days. These Christians, guided by the Holy Spirit, offer kindness to strangers they have never met. Their warmth gives Paul the strength he needs for the rest of his journey. Consider how deeply Christians depend on each other for encouragement. Faith grows stronger in fellowship. Even a prayer, a word, or a small act of care can lift another person when life feels heavy.

As Paul nears Rome, more believers come out to meet him. They travel from nearby towns along the famous Roman road, the Appian Way, to greet him. Seeing them, Paul thanks God and gains new courage. When he finally reaches Rome, Paul is placed under house arrest but is allowed to rent his own space and welcome visitors freely. Even in chains, he continues to preach about the kingdom of God and to teach about Jesus Christ. His voice cannot be silenced.

Paul’s first visitors are Jewish leaders from the local synagogues. He explains why he was arrested and shares the message of Jesus as the promised hope of Israel. The leaders admit they have not received reports about Paul personally, but they have heard about “this group” of followers of Jesus, and that they are, “spoken against everywhere.” We see this today. Christianity has faced rejection and misunderstanding. The message of Christ was not popular then, and it is not always popular now. Yet, as Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” (John 15:18) True faith is not measured by public approval but by steadfast trust in God.

Paul continues to teach from morning until evening. Some listeners believe his message, but others turn away. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Paul explains that some hearts have grown hard and refuse to see or hear the truth. He then declares that the message of salvation will go to the Gentiles, who will listen. The story of Acts closes with Paul still in his rented home, still teaching about Jesus “with all confidence, no one stopping him.”

Luke ends the book without resolution. We are not told what happens next. We don’t know whether Paul stands trial, whether he is released, or even how his life ends. This unfinished ending may be deliberate. It suggests that the story of God’s work through His people is not over. The acts of the early apostles were only the beginning. The work of the Holy Spirit continues through every believer who carries the message of Jesus into the world. Each of us adds a line to the unfinished story.

Could it be that the book of Acts remains open because the mission of the Church is still unfolding, and we are part of it?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

The Change That Comes With Faith

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AMY TURNER

When a person puts their trust in Christ, something real takes place within them. The outside may look the same, but the inside has been made new. The Bible teaches that in Christ, the old self is left behind and a new life begins. This does not mean that temptations disappear or that old struggles instantly vanish. It means that a different kind of life now exists, one that is guided by the Spirit instead of by darkness.

Through Christ, believers gain new strength and new desires that influence the way they think, speak, and act. What was once impossible, things such as growing in faith and maturity, are now possible because of His presence.

This change is not yet complete. There will come a time when the work of renewal is seen fully. Scripture reminds us that when Christ returns, His people will finally be like Him, free from the brokenness of the past and complete in His likeness. Until then, Christians live in the assurance that they are already made new, even while they continue to grow.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17