Word on the Web

28 Aug 2009: Faith That Works

‘Faith that works’ is often displayed in its most powerful and amazing form when the chips are down and there is nothing else to hold on to. Too often when the going is easy we find ourselves consciously or unconsciously relying on ourselves and doing things in our own strength but as Paul writes to the Corinthians of God’s reply to his concern about the thorn in his flesh ‘"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12.9) we are reminded that nothing can confront us that ‘Faith that Works’ cannot confront.

This has been dramatically demonstrated in our church family in the last few weeks as one of our members was involved in an horrendous head on road accident that left him critically ill with multiple fractures and major internal injuries and hanging on to life by a very fine thread. His wife and children are believers, as is he, and although they faced the most heart rending trauma they found themselves relying on the Sovereign God in quiet confidence – an extension of their daily walk with him in normal circumstances. Of course there was the anguished question ‘Why?’ There were tears and there are still huge concerns as the medics continue to work to the utmost of their ability to deal with John’s injuries but the family know that they are all in God’s hand whatever the outcome.

That is ‘Faith that works’. That is not a faith summoned up from nowhere in the cauldron of suffering but the glorious result of walking daily with a faithful God and I believe is a marvellous practical example of the teaching at Keswick this year.