Revolution of Love.com
The Precious Gift of Faith
by Brian
I have a confession to make. I am ashamed to admit it, but I take my faith for granted. I know I shouldn't, but I do. Our Lord reminds me of this every time I witness (or hear about) people who lack faith deal with difficult circumstances or situations. Faith truly is a precious gift from God. It is a gift that no one can manufacture on their own, no matter how hard they try.
Faith in the person of Jesus - believing what he said and did - is what sustains a Christian in time of trial and need. Faith is believing that God is with you no matter what comes your way. For what good is it to make the claim that you believe and trust in God when life couldn't be better. It is when trials and troubles surround you that you discover what your faith is really made out of.
I think this is precisely what separated the saints from the wanna be's. No matter the predicament, situation or suffering they found themselves in, the saints remained at peace and practiced great charity. They were able to do this because they believed that Jesus loved them, cared about them and would help them in their present circumstance. This was the secret to the heroic faith they lived day in and day out.
There is really something very beautiful about a soul that lives a life of deep and simple faith. Such souls are like magnets, attracting other souls. The lives of the saints testify to this. Many of the saints, especially those that are not as well known, were always attracting others to themselves. This was not due to anything brilliant they said or spectacular they did but to the simple fact that they were men and women of great faith.
How does someone obtain the faith of the saints? Your guess is as good as mine…just kidding! There is only one way that I know to obtain great faith. It is very simple - just ask the Holy Spirit. By praying and opening yourself up to the promptings and inspirations of the Holy Spirit I guarantee you that your faith will increase.
In his first general audience Pope John Paul I spoke about faith and how it was a lamp of sanctification. For those of us who believe, faith acts as a light that will guide us through good times and bad. It is also the foundation of an authentic spiritual life. This is precisely why we should never take our faith for granted, but always thank the Lord for bestowing on us such an awesome gift.
God bless!