Misunderstandings about Faith: a devotion on faith and hope

From an Africa Study Bible learn note on “Faith”:

Faith is trust in God and believing his Word, the Bible, instead of depending on our own wisdom and strength.

Two prominent teachings about faith lead us into difficulties. The first says, “Do nothing and expect God to do everything.” Faith is not an excuse for avoiding decisions or hard work. God told Noah about a flood, and Noah built an ark. God gives us the Holy Spirit’s power and expects us to live and pray in faith, but He also expects us to take action.

Another teaching that can lead us in the wrong direction says that if it seems God does not answer a person’s prayers, it is because that person does not have enough faith. Sometimes Jesus healed people and mentioned their great faith (Matthew 9:27-31; Luke 7:9). But other times Jesus healed people whose faith is not mentioned and they did not even ask to be healed (Matthew 12:9-13). If a person prays to be healed or prays for a better job, and God does not heal or give a job, do not tell that person, “It is because your faith is weak.” God knows everything, but you do not know why God says “yes” to some prayers and “no” to others. Trust Him. We often put an unnecessary burden and guilt on people if we tell them that God said “no” to their prayers because they do not have enough faith.

John lived by faith all his life in Bossangoa in the Central African Republic. As an old man, his body had been ravaged by a long sickness. He could no longer leave his bamboo bed in the corner of his small hut. John called in a soft voice for his guests to come close. He tightly clutched his worn Bible. Though his breathing was laboured, he told them he longed to see Jesus and go to his new home. John lived and died in faith.

Today: 

Reflect on these two misunderstandings of faith. Which one has affected you most? Perhaps you need to step out and act on your faith. Perhaps you need to apologize for assuming someone lacked faith. Or perhaps you need to stop blaming your lack of faith for your unanswered prayers, and keep trusting God despite His unexpected response to your requests.