For sure, most of us still believe in God, but less and less of us feel as strongly about this than we did in the past. What's even more alarming is the small, but growing number who say they don't believe in God at all.
In a 2014 Gallup poll, 86% of Americans said they believed in God or a universal spirit. This was down from 96% in 1994, and apparently was the lowest figure assessed by Gallup since the topic was brought up in 1976.
Why is our faith in God deteriorating? I'm not saying that we should start panicking, but we should be concerned, at the very least. Wouldn't you think that a lack of confidence in God's existence is something to set off the alarm bells of faith?
After all, Christianity is a faith-based religion. This means that it is grounded or based on faith in God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Without our faith in God, His Word, and the Holy Bible we have nothing.
If we strip Christianity down to its basic framework, we would find faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection is why we put our faith and trust in Him alone for our salvation (John 3:16).
Very simply put, God, our Heavenly Father, takes our sin, lays it on the cross of Christ, thereby granting us, by grace with the absolute righteousness of Christ. This is the message that we, as Christians, are implored to believe and live.
Fortunately, the Bible has many examples of faith to encourage and sustain us when we feel weakened by the wear and tear of daily life. Being aware of the limited space here, I will point out just a few noteworthy examples for you.
When it comes to faith in God, Noah walked the walk and talked the talk! His strong faith denounced the unbelief of others, and his obedience reproved their scorn and disobedience (Hebrews 11:7). Sometimes, God may ask us to step outside of our "faith" comfort zone, which can be difficult for some.
This was the case for Abraham in Hebrews 11:8-19. The test of his faith was, that he clearly and directly obeyed the call of God. Nothing short of this would do. Was he worried?...scared?...apprehensive about what God asked him to do? You bet he was! Who wouldn't be?
But, he put all of his faith in God; trusting that He would take care of everything. And God did! Maybe that's the heart of the matter. When it comes to a loss of faith, many want all of the benefits of it (faith) without having to contribute anything (Matthew 14:31).
The bottom line is that there is no way to please God without faith. It's impossible! Faith is believing the Word of God and responding to it. If our faith in God is to flourish and mature, then we must learn to place our lives in his capable and loving hands, and let Him take it from there.
Scripture: Romans 10:17; John 5:24; Luke 1:37; Mark 11:22; 1 Peter 5:7
Prayer: Holy Father, though I have not seen you, I love You and believe in You; I rejoice with an indescribable joy knowing that You love me, too! Amen
Have a blessed day!
Gretchen
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