Yesterday I was really struggling with the loss suffered by the family victimized in the shootings at New Life Church. Two teens who lost their lives needlessly. It was very difficult because it reminded me of a boy who lost his life almost a year ago due to the common flu. This year I have struggled immensely in the area of faith and trust. I sat down yesterday to do my devo’s and Brennan Manning rang my bell with this:
The Practice of FaithThere is no need to multiply examples of what is so patently an essential condition of the Christian walk. We are saved through faith – an unflagging , unwavering attachment to the person of Jesus Christ.
What is the depth and quality of your faith commitment? In the last analysis, faith is not a way of speaking or even of thinking; it is a way of living. Maurice Blondel said, “if you want to know what a person really believes, don’t listen to what he says but watch what he does.” Only the practice of faith can verify what we believe. Does faith permeate the we of your life? Does it form your judgement about death, about success? Does it influence the way your read the newspaper? Do you have a divine sense of humor that sees through people and events into the unfolding plan of God? When things are turbulent on the surface of your life, do you retain a quiet calm, firmly fixed in ultimate reality? As Therese of Lisieux said, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God alone remains.” Does your faith shape your Advent season this year?
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:12
This really helped me perhaps it will help you as well.
2 comments On Reflections Of A Ragamuffin: The Practice of Faith
amen! Brennan Manning has a wondrous way of writing that always gets me thinking. Thanks for sharing!
amen! Brennan Manning has a wondrous way of writing that always gets me thinking. Thanks for sharing!