Faith is a Relationship

This week we are reminded of Abraham’s story and God’s faithfulness. Abraham was 75 years old when he was asked to leave his home-his comfort zone and tread into the unknown. God promised Abraham that he would have an heir even though Sarah was way beyond child-bearing age. Abraham trusted God and followed His will. Abraham is known as the father of faith.

What is faith?

St Augustine tells us that “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” Faith is trusting God even when things seem impossible and knowing that He is a loving Father who only wants what is good for us. Faith turns fear into courage as Abraham set out into unknown territory.

Thomas Merton explains that we do not need “to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going…What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”

Are you treading unchartered territory? Do you fear the unknown?

Have you been waiting for God to answer your prayers and yet nothing has changed?

Jesus reminds us again in Luke 12:32 “There is no need to be afraid”.

Pope Francis says “Faith is a relationship, an encounter,” if we are to grow in faith, then we need to have a relationship with God. We need to build this relationship and through this personal encounter, as Abraham had, he grew to trust God and His promises. Likewise, when we grow in our relationship with God our fears will turn into courage and hope. We will learn to trust in His promises even when we do not see changes knowing God is faithful and loves us. He will want what is best for us.

Lay all your cares about the future trustingly in God’s hands, and let yourself be guided by the Lord just like a little child.” Saint Edith Stein