If you have every tried to find something in one of those ‘Hidden Object’ games designed for kids you have possibly experienced frustration. These activities are designed to help children search, seek and stretch their investigative potential. The things they look for are not obvious and will not be seen by a casual glance.
Jesus tells us there are some things in life, which are hidden from view but can be discovered if we Ask, Seek and Knock. Matthew 7:7 puts it this way: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. If you are going to discover God in a real way, faith is a major key.
Faith can be likened to glasses that help you see more clearly. When worn they help you to ask, seek and knock. They open your eyes to see.”
I was impacted recently when I read the narrative found in Mark 2:1-12 because it talked about the faith of four young men who wouldn’t give up. Their faith caused them to see a miracle happen and a tremendous transformation. The one phrase that stood out to me was in verse 5. It says: “Jesus saw their faith!’
People who really believe in something will reveal their beliefs in some visible way. True faith cannot be hidden and if you can’t see someone’s faith in action, it’s not true faith.
These young men revealed 4 qualities of real faith.
1. Their faith was seen because it was active. Real faith affects your behavior. They believed that Jesus could heal their friend, so they got him to Jesus. Whether it’s faith in a cause, a person, a company or God; real faith will always produce action.
Allstate Insurance Company recently surveyed Californians in earthquake-prone regions. Sixty-four percent of respondents believe a massive earthquake will hit in three to five years; but only 25% have earthquake insurance. Who really believes?
2. Their faith was seen because it was persistent. When the men got to the house and saw the crowd, they were undeterred. They didn’t say “Oh well; we tried. I guess it wasn’t meant to be.” They wouldn’t take no for an answer. They didn’t give up!
3. Their faith was seen because it was creative. When the way to Jesus was blocked, they made a new way through the roof! They got creative. People with true faith don’t give up the search until they find a solution.
4. Their faith was in Jesus. I know that this seems obvious—that their faith was in Jesus. But I point it out because sometimes people mistakenly have faith in faith. When people have faith in faith, everything depends on their faith. “If I just believe enough, it will happen.” Ultimately true faith has to be placed in someone because behind every happening, there is a person responsible. To have faith in the government you must believe in the leaders. To believe in a cause you support, you must have faith in those who are empowered to lead that cause. For these four young men and a host of others including myself, Jesus is that someone! “In God We Trust” is more than a motto on our currency.
People who really believe in something or someone will take action. They will persevere and creatively find a solution. Is your faith showing? Can you see it?
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