Tony Robinson: Faith Made Visible

"And Paul, looking at him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed said in a loud voice, 'Stand up on your feet. And the man sprang up and began to walk." - Acts 14: 9 - 10 

Looking at a man who sat crippled by the roadside, we read that Paul saw his faith. I wonder what Paul saw? What does faith look like? 

Have you "seen" faith? When someone looks at you do they "see" faith? Does God? 

I am not sure what faith looks like exactly. But I'm pretty sure it looks like trust. Trust and a willingness to take a risk. And something more, often faith has an "in-spite-of" quality or look to it. Trusting and getting to your feet despite being crippled; believing and going when it's hard to do so and against the visible evidence. 

Years ago, during an especially challenging time in my life, a lovely older friend gave me a three by five card with these words written on it: "There is, in the universe, a power forever on the side of those brave enough to trust it." I think she was telling me, despite all, keep showing up just as fully as you possibly can. And even when it's hard, even when you feel or are crippled in some way (aren't we all?), keep on trusting wildly in God. I've held those words close to my heart a long time now. 

Are you living in faith, by faith these days? Can others see faith in you? Make your faith visible today. Lord knows, we need it. We need you. 

Prayer  

Lord, in Jesus you have made faith visible to us and for us. Help me to make my faith visible today. Amen.

From UCC's StillSpeaking Devotionals. Visit UCC.org