Navigating the challenges of faith

Navigating the challenges of faith begins with understanding that our plans are limited, while God's plan is eternal. A writer once said, “If you want God to laugh, tell him your plan.”

The prophet Habakkuk struggled with reconciling God's justice with the reality of evil and suffering in Judah. God's response was unexpected: He would use Babylon, a ruthless nation, as an instrument of judgment. Habakkuk wrestled with God's justice, but God reassured him that justice would prevail.

Similarly, Jacob wrestled with God, refusing to let go until he was blessed. His name was changed to Israel, reflecting his newfound relationship with God. Confer, Genesis 32:22-32.

Jesus reminds us that the quality of faith is more important than its quantity. Effective faith is linked to trust, obedience, and commitment. St. Augustine's advice: “Pray as though everything depended on God and work as though everything depended on you.”

Faith gives us a new perspective and way of living. It's our acceptance of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. Faith isn't just assent to doctrines; it's trust, righteous living, and steadfast expectation.

There are three senses of faith:

1. First, Faith means “trust.” People “have faith in their banks” because their accounts are insured. Similarly, we must put our trust in the authority of God and in the truth of His doctrines. St. Paul defines Faith as confidence and certainty (Hebrews 11:1).

2. Second, Faith refers to assent to doctrines about God, taught by Jesus and the Church (e.g., our belief in the truths listed in the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed).

3. Third, Faith refers to a “bond” or “relationship,” with God. Jesus tells us that if we have even a small relationship with our Heavenly Father, we can do anything. No matter how weak it seems, Faith is an overwhelming power. Even a little dose of Faith can direct our lives, comfort us when we are discouraged and challenge us when we are complacent.

Jesus reminded the Apostles that it's not the greatness of their faith, but God's power working through them that moves mountains. Forgiveness is a gift of God's grace, activated through faith.

We see this faith in action through stories like:

A middle-aged mother went back to school to complete her teacher training. She specialized in helping children with learning difficulties. In a large school she worked with a class of what others called “the retarded.” Because she had actually asked for this difficult class, some teachers treated her as though she were insane. Wasn’t this truly “planting trees in the sea?”

A priest in Africa deliberately committed a small crime in order to get himself put in a prison where he could minister to those who needed him most. He was “planting a tree in the sea!” He had true Faith! We need to thank God for everything, giving Him the credit for our well-being.

Jesus asked the Apostles to forgive others, not move mountains. This requires faith, and they asked Jesus to increase it. He said it's God's power, not their faith, that makes the impossible possible (Mt 17:20; Mk 11:23).

Forgiveness is a gift of God's grace, activated through faith. With God's power, we can forgive and overcome challenges.

Let's pray for greater faith and trust in God. We often forget God when life is good, but He answers our prayers in times of need. Asking God to increase our faith helps us trust Him more and serve others with love. When we isolate ourselves, we lose our faith.