SUBMERGEഉദാഹരണം

Transfer of Trust

More than occasionally, Christ-followers are guilty of responding to someone’s pain or discourse with phrases like, “Just have faith,” or have you heard, “Take a leap of faith.” But is it really that simple? Can we make a causal decision about faith? What does the bible tell us about faith? Interestingly, faith is used 336 times in the King James Version and 458 times in the New International Version. Faith is a big deal. So, it’s probably safe to say it’s a big deal to God.

Tim Mackie, one of the co-founders of the Bible Project, shares that faith comes by hearing the testimony of others, receiving guidance from the biblical community, and by a transfer of trust from self to God. It makes sense, but let’s be honest; sometimes, I struggle with the last one. Tim Mackie also says faith is not just a state of mind but an experience. How does a transfer of trust happen when it is wrapped up in an experience? Well, I believe it all starts with believing that God is who He says He is. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, and all-good. He can be trusted.

Understandably, there are moments when you are not interested in God’s résume. There are times in our lives when we don’t know where to turn. In those moments, God asks us to trust Him and allow His peace to transcend over every situation, especially when we are lost, hurt, incapable of getting out of our way, or even have no clue how to be you. That’s faith.

Almost five years ago, I was involved in a near-fatal accident as a pedestrian. I was crossing the street, and a distracted driver hit me without even tapping his brakes. I suffered severe trauma to the left side of my body, and today, I know that I am a walking miracle. Literally, I don’t know at what point my transfer of trust happened in this situation, but I definitely know that God orchestrated every step in my recovery, and He still is. There was a shift in my mind that went from “Why me” to “Why not me.” Don’t get me wrong -- there are some days that I am mentally exhausted and overwhelmed with chronic pains. But I am still here. And, if I am still here, God must have a plan. And, if faith starts with reason and grows with faithful actions and behaviors, I have work to do. Whether it is sharing my story to encourage someone or being intentional about helping someone discover their truth as I walk in mine. Life is hard. Trusting God is a conscious decision we must make every day, sometimes minute by minute. But it is worth it.

Reflection:

What is a situation or decision that you are facing or have faced in the past that requires you to have great faith?

How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life where you might not have expected it?

Dr. Twyler Earl
SNU Assoc.Vice President for Student Success