It was truly an adventure to walk the roads in Grenada. Sidewalks were rare, even in the towns, and the roads were hilly, narrow and winding.
Because we were staying outside of the main town of St. Georges, and because our primary mode of transportation was the local mini-bus, we often found ourselves walking down the side of the road. We would soon learn that because of the hills and twists and turns, it was often impossible to see oncoming cars. A far more reliable way to tell if there were vehicles coming was to trust our ears.
The problem was, we weren’t used to this! We’re used to relying on our eyes! But it didn’t take long for us to learn: when our eyes registered an empty road, this didn’t necessarily mean there were no oncoming cars!
This reminds me of faith. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message…” (Rom. 10:17a NIV)
Notice what the Bible doesn’t say: It doesn’t say that faith comes from seeing. In other words, as we walk the paths of life, especially the dark, shadowy ones, we can’t trust what we see. Our eyes trick us. Our eyes try to make us think we should rely on logic. Our eyes try to make us think that just because we don’t see the solution, it must not be there. God’s promises are not upcoming, etc.
Rather, faith comes from hearing!
What does that mean?
It means that if God said it, it will happen, whether we see it or not. It doesn’t matter that we don’t see an end to our problems. It doesn’t mean a thing that our circumstances only appear to be worsening. If God said it, it will happen!
So how can we “hear” what we need to hear in order for our faith to grow?
Romans 10 tells us this as well: “…and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Rom. 10:17b NIV)
In other words, our faith grows by hearing the messages in the Bible, the Word of God. When we read stories of how God kept all His promises, making a way where there was no way, coming through at just the right time; when we meditate upon the wonders of the cross as outlined in God’s Word, our faith will grow.
Does it look like your circumstances are never-ending? Do they seem to be worsening instead of getting better? Don’t rely on what your eyes are telling you! Instead, pick up the Word of God. Listen for what He is speaking to you through the Bible. Write down what you hear so that you can return to it in moments of doubt. And most importantly, never forget that faith does not come by seeing, but rather, by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God!
Oh, and the next time you are visiting Grenada on foot, remember: Don’t trust your eyes to tell you there aren’t any upcoming cars. Instead, listen to what your ears are telling you!
In His love,
Lyn
Lynona Gordon Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author — “Aboard God’s Train — A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer”, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, andScriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, withAnswers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.