What is faith?

Dear COAH,

The entire city was engulfed in flames during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The flames quickly spread, destroying downtown buildings. The fire, which started on Saturday, October 8, didn't end until Tuesday, October 10, claiming more than 300 lives and causing massive property damage. As Dwight Moody prepared for Sunday service, he watched his church burn. A newspaper reporter asked him cynically: "If God is so omnipotent, why didn't He protect your church?" Moody responded with faith: "We've always prayed for a bigger building, and I believe He's going to do something big this time." And soon after, a bigger church was built.

Moody was a man of great faith. His faith shone in the face of extreme disaster. He was not a man who put trust in himself. His trust was in God alone. Many trust their own experience or knowledge. They act without regard to God's will. Moody wasn't like that; he did not trust in his abilities or wealth. He trusted in his Lord, who could make the impossible possible. So he prayed for a more prominent place of worship, and according to his faith, a large church building was built.

"But without faith, it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith is believing in Almighty God's presence, guidance, and intervention. It's a belief that God is in charge. Yes, it is a belief that God desires to be in our midst and that He loves to reward those who earnestly seek him. How great is your faith? Do you believe in a God who is with us and working among us, even amidst despair? God wants to communicate with us today. When we pray to God, He shows us how He intervenes in our lives. May you have faith in God's presence, guidance, and intervention.

Blessings,

Pastor Minho Song