Faith: A Gift From God

The gift of faith in God. Those who have it, recognize its power and consider it treasure. Self-proclaimed Atheists and Agnostics, however, often cynically discount faith and prayer as useless and illogical. Yet, what is it about the gift of faith that makes it compelling, relevant and central in the lives of so many people in the US and around the world?

Those who have it, recognize its power and consider it treasure.

Highlights

By Chaplain Adele M. Gill
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
3/21/2019 (5 years ago)

Published in Blog

Keywords: Christian, Catholic, Faith, Womens Bible Study, Mens Bible Study

Even for those who reject God, such as Atheists and Agnostics, the door to faith still always remains open for a change of heart. God stands in wait for their return. Is it possible that Atheism does not really exist; that it is simply that they are Agnostics who have yet to come to know and embrace God the All-powerful, Omniscient Creator of the universe?

Faith in God is something that comes from God, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a gift freely given and received through grace -- unmerited favor, by a God who knows our every thought and movement. People who have faith in God are, in a sense, plugged in to God, the timeless power source for all peace, joy, and unconditional Love. They trust Him. Like a tree planted by a stream has deep roots, so it goes with people of faith as they place their trust in God. Their foundations cannot be shaken or destroyed. Conversely, life without God is like having no power source, no oasis or water source to replenish and flourish. 

Truly, the drudgery of this world can be dull and overwhelming -- even underwhelming. Without God, when tragedy hits, there seems to be nowhere to turn, and little comfort can be found. We depend on our own devices to "get us through" trials and tragedies. One cannot purchase faith or wish it into existence. That is, it cannot be bought by putting large donations in the offering basket. God's grace and faith are not things that can be "earned" through doing good works. Rather, faith is generously provided through God's grace, freely given, for those who seek Him with a sincere heart. God's grace, and subsequently faith in Him, are ours for the asking. For His generosity is unmatched and unsurpassed, and He cannot be outdone by any mortal being.

Some people are born into families of faith at birth. For others, serious tragedy forces them to turn to God -- or from God -- such as major car accident, a surgery gone awry, or the loss of a loved one. It is a choice we all make to move closer to God or turn away. Sometimes it may be someone we meet or know that shares their faith with us, opening the door to our pursuing God. The truth is that God created us all and unconditionally loved us first. The ball is in our court as to how we respond -- or don't respond to His call. But like the prodigal son's father, God stands in wait for us to turn to Him in humility, as we realize we are limited, we are nothing without Him.

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God manifests His Love and divine patience for us beyond our comprehension. In fact, He is the very definition of Love. To turn to God is the beginning of a lifetime Love affair. No, faith does not make our lives perfect, or challenge-free, but it does make life more manageable, peaceful, and joy-filled. With God by our side, and on our side, even our tragedies enable us to see His healing hand in our lives with a sense of optimism. And we have peace that transcends understanding as we have the privilege to wait, with anticipation and excitement, to see what God will do next in our lives and those of our loved ones.

Adele M. Gill, BSN, RN, CPC is the author of 3 books including "From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You," written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions. 

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