We often feel we have to learn gobs and gobs of biblical knowledge and history to cultivate faith; or “learn about our faith.” Odd as it may sound, such is a foreign concept to God. Moses even revealed this simple truth on the way to the Promised Land.
“For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
RELEVANCE
What is complex is our humanity. Life subjects us to the futility of the world. The more our environment and cultures around us condition us to the ways of the world, the more God has to re-condition us—or renew our heart and mind to His ways. Jesus likened it to childlike faith; trusting God as a child trusts a parent. “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (Mark 10:15-16).
The prophet Isaiah directs us to, “Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him.” (Isaiah 51:1-2) What is a rock? It is a simple, but firm substance. Who was Abraham? He was a simple man from humble pagan beginnings. Upon the foundation of his type of simple trusting faith, God built a testimony and established a covenant way of life.
Truly, trusting faith is cultivated through a process. Abraham experienced certain trials and events that tried and tested his character. That’s what God tries to cultivate by progressively maturing trusting faith. Abraham continuously experienced God’s grace as God nurtured him and progressively cultivated stronger measures of faith in his heart.
REFLECT AND RELATE
If you feel learning of God is difficult, ask God:
a) If it is He who is complicated or if it is you.
b) If it is He who is complicated or if it your teacher.
c) If His word is complicated or if it is the version you are reading.
d) If His word and ways are complicated of if it is the method teaching you.
REFERENCES
Matthew 10:24-26