In a local Karate school, there’s a banner which says, “Thousands of hours of training. Countless bumps and bruises. One black belt.” This statement reminds us that important things in life requires commitment, and perseverance. Important things do not come instantly. Nothing significant is ever quick and easy.
For example, change the wording and we have, “Thousands of hours of studying. Countless exams and attention to details. One diploma.”
Or, “Thousands of hours of nurturing. Countless bumps and conversations. One child raised.”
Or even, “Thousands of hours of striving. Countless ups and downs, with joys and worries. One life lived.”
Perhaps it is too much to reduce our life to a single statement. Yet, this formula captures the essence of what we know so well: a genuine life requires determined effort. A genuine life does not come instantly. It takes commitment, and perseverance.
Too often though in spiritual matters we think matters can be settled instantly. People will advise us to “just pray about it,” or “just give it to God.” How I wish that matters of faith in God could be settled with such a quick and easy solution!
Of course, praying and giving to God are essential actions. Yet, praying and giving to God alone cannot remove the demand for us to commit and to persevere in matters of our life with God.
One day Jesus said to his disciples that God required them to do some difficult things, such as watch how you treat vulnerable people, and always be ready to forgive. The disciples responded to Jesus, “Increase our faith!”
Certainly, with such a demand it would help to have our faith increased, to have instant faith. It would be wonderful to be able instantly to treat others as I would have them treat me. It would be wonderful to be able instantly to forgive as God forgives. A quick and easy faith would be nice to have. “Yes, Lord, increase my faith!”
However, God does not give us quick and easy faith. In truth, God does not need to give us more faith, because it is not necessary. Rather, God wants us to practice and exercise the faith which we already have.
Now, if you don’t think you have enough, think again; you do! It is not really a matter of how much you have. What does matter is this: how much will you trust and exercise the faith in God which you already have?
Perhaps a better request than, “Increase our faith,” is this: “Lord, give me the perseverance to do what is right in your sight. Because I know it takes: Thousands of hours of praying. Countless times of standing firm and being gracious, for one goal: faith in You.”
Rev. Curtis Fussell