Christian Living

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Got Faith?
© 2005
by

Stephen A. Peterson


During a hearing before an Oklahoma County district juvenile judge, a teenage young man informed the court that he had dropped out of high school “because it was irrelevant to life.”

“So what do you plan to do?” asked the judge.

“I don’t know,” he responded. “I’m really not interested in anything at all at this time.”

“Do you plan to return to school? Part of your treatment requires that you be in school.” the judge immediately stated.

“No, I doubt it,” he replied. Then, with a defiant looking smirk, he added, “I guess I’ll just drift. Become the best bum I can be. Live off the wealth of this fine society. Be a burden for someone!”

In spite of this teen’s cynicism and arrogance, I doubt he will follow through with his threats. The brightness in his eyes appears to contradict such a gloomy outcome. In general, I have a great deal of faith in young people—a belief that the future is in good hands despite the often gloomy picture we are constantly bombarded with by gloom and doom politicians and academic intelligentsia.

Faith, we are told in Hebrews 11:1, is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Those who look for a perfect set of circumstances before one prepares to start a business, go on a vacation or seek a profession that person will generally never begin their venture or trip. That said a person should not expect to win a million dollar lottery or hear the voice of God telling them when and what to do. God seldom directs a man; woman or child with grand sweeping gestures, but rather nudges us with the least of our brothers and sisters, with difficulties we think we can’t overcome, with gentle whispers to our heart through His Holy Word or through prayer. When we pause,listen and step forward with faith, spiritual growth ALWAYS results. If we put our trust ONLY in Jesus Christ, He WILL put His power in us. And though the outcome may not be exactly what WE have in mind, the results are ALWAYS good—It’s His promise!!

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