Journeying Through AdventSample

Flickering Faith

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.” ~Isaiah 42:3

There's something mesmerizing about watching a candle's flame flicker during a candlelight service. It captivates our minds. It dances to the pastor's words, sways before the caroling congregation, and is rhythmically in tune with the environment. The flame appears frail, yet we know that there is a formidable force that should be appropriately respected, as any parent with careless children standing among hair-sprayed women knows. As pastors, leaders, parents, and friends, we long to be formidable beacons of love, joy, peace, and hope within our communities. More often, we lament feeling like flickering flames that could at any moment be snuffed out. What are we to do?

We tend to replace our flickering flame with something safer, like electric candles. We flip a switch to turn it on. The light is constant. Sometimes, we view our faith in such a manner. We want safe and mechanical faith that never falters in difficult seasons. We feel insecure when our flame flickers because we wish to exemplify consistency for those we lead. But is that what they need from us? Our strive for perfection turns us into performers. Yet, has our faith become too tidy, too sterile, too devoid of life?

What if our flame of faith was meant to flicker? Flickering faith responds to the whispers of the Spirit reflecting our Immanuel's continual presence. We hear his gentle voice lingering among all of the season's traditions, stories, and songs, waiting to be discovered anew.

Flickering faith is alive and affected by its surroundings because God is with us. The season is filled with memories of rejoicing and moments of loss. It flickers on the laughter of children and the weeping of the oppressed. It announces Christ, who is present and touched by our afflictions, healings, hardships, and achievements.

Just because it flickers does not mean that it has gone out. It's okay to have faith that flickers for our Immanuel will not snuff out the smoldering wick. It flickers to the rhythm of life. Perhaps our flickering faith captivates others with the reality of Christ's presence in this season—more than lifeless safety candles.

Prayer: Father, May we realize that you will not snuff out a flickering faith, for it reveals a faith responsive to your gentle whisper. May our flickering, living faith captivate a world pointing toward your loving presence in every situation. Amen.

Written by Wes Starr (Wesley Seminary Master of Divinity student)