Simple Faith

This post falls under the category of "the more things change the more they stay the same." It's also a good reminder to me that I need to remain constant in my faith! (This post was published in February 2006 one of my former blogs.)


Joshua 1:5-7 NLT

Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.

I’m testing out this theory right now in my life. Strong – I am indeed strong-willed, physically strong, and mentally strong (most of the time)! I’m finding my spiritual strength is growing as my faith becomes more and more child-like and basic. That probably sounds very odd, but it’s true! It really does all boil down to obeying all the laws Moses gave us. That obedience often does require courage because it’s so counter to what the world tells us.

What do I mean when I say my faith is becoming more and more child-like and basic? It means that there is one truth I know and believe: Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, he died on the Cross and rose from the dead on the third day. That’s it. That is all I need to know. Nothing else! Only Jesus crucified and risen. I don’t need any lectures on theory or doctrine or dogma. I don’t need an analysis of what scripture really means—in context. The words don’t matter – what matters is the impact the words have on my heart and on my mind.

Does that sound too simple? Sorry. That’s where I am in my faith right now. Simple. Basic. No bells or whistles or fancy trimmings. Just Jesus, waiting, watching, stretching out his arms to me – bidding me to come to Him. His strength and His courage are my strength and courage. He doesn’t shout at us like all the commercials on television. He quietly speaks, barely above a whisper. We must be still to hear Him.

Successful in everything you do? That’s a pretty tall order, isn’t it? But that statement isn’t about acquiring wealth or fame, things or notoriety. It’s about our success as believers. If we are motivated by our simple faith in everything we do, we cannot fail. We may not accomplish what we think we should have. Remember, though, God uses even human failure to fulfill His plans.

So we can be strong and courageous in our simple faith because God sent us Jesus. He wanted to make it simple for us, I think, because we had failed to understand for so long. God realized we were unable, on our own, to uphold our side of the covenant. So he made one that is so basic, so simple, it’s impossible not to understand our part of the contract: Jesus Christ died for our sins. And as a young friend once told me, Jesus is irresistible! Knowing that truth, how can we choose anything else except Jesus?!

My prayer today is that you will be strong and courageous in Jesus Christ. And that you will remember the laws of Moses as you make every decision.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary