This Faith

2 Corinthians 4:13 says, “we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, ‘I believed in God, so I spoke.’ ” That sounds great, but the verses Paul is quoting are from Psalm 116, which read: “I believed in you, so I said, ‘I am deeply troubled, Lord.’ In my anxiety, I cried out to you, ‘These people are all liars! (vv. 10–11)’ ”

“Deeply troubled?” “Anxiety?” What kind of faith is that? What faith is Paul preaching? It’s an honest one. A real one. A faith that acknowledges life is sometimes hard, and people can be cruel, but I’m not going to quit loving them or trusting Jesus, and I’m not going to stop talking about Him.

Be honest with God, and with yourself. Never let your faith be reduced to religious performance or a scorecard comparing yourself to anyone else’s life. Your life in Christ is supposed to be a growing relationship, even when your circumstances are difficult. Especially then. Don’t hold back parts of your heart because you’ve judged them as so shameful they’re unworthy of His love, forgiveness, and healing. Those are often the areas that birth ministries and movements after He’s redeemed them. Those are the places your faith stands on to release love, grace, and miracles that transform lives and nations.