Uskon asialla – In the Matter of Faith
A familiar spiritual song, which has also been heard at Emmaus, says, “It is difficult to love, but I wish I could learn.” To love is not always easy, and having faith can be challenging too. Faith should not be measured, and that is fine. The object of faith, though, can be evaluated. Christian faith is directed towards the triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The mystery of faith is that God grants faith to people; it cannot be earned by oneself but only received.
However, according to the Bible, one can grow in faith. All growth needs a favorable environment. Faith doesn’t grow in a vacuum but gains its strength from hearing the word of God and by prayer. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Rom. 10:17).
The church is a community of faith, where the word, prayer, and communion nourish the life of faith. We need shared faith and mutual support. So when our own faith does not feel sufficient, the faith of another can encourage us.
Why is believing sometimes difficult? There are many reasons. Faith is trust, and people often have difficult experiences with trust being betrayed. A child who has not received the necessary love and approval from his or her parents may find it difficult to trust the Heavenly Father as an adult. Life experiences matter, but God has ways and means to turn seemingly impossible situations into victory and growth.
Even great examples of faith in the Bible had difficult moments of trusting God: Prophet Elijah experienced a dark and depressing period, not to mention the sufferings of Job or Peter, who denied Jesus three times. Growth in faith includes trials and temptations, which strengthen faith in Christ.
New opportunities as a forgiven sinner are part of Christian growth. In the words of the Apostle Paul: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Gal. 5:6).
Welcome to Emmaus to be strengthened by our common faith!
Pastor Timo
Feb-March 2025 Newsletter – Ystäväkirje Web version