Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-112

FEED YOUR FAITH

From ‘Sunrise Sunset’ (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco), Rowland Croucher’s book of daily meditations. Feel free to use or adapt it.

[God] justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:26.

Herbert Butterfield, professor of modern history at Cambridge University put it well: ‘Hold to Christ, and for the rest be totally uncommitted.’

The great biblical scholar, Dr. Lightfoot, said ‘My faith suffers nothing by leaving a thousand questions open, so long as I am convinced on two or three main lines.’

Those who major on their beliefs rather than their doubts, find God to be very real. ‘Feed your faith, and your doubts will starve to death’ is good advice. ‘Cleave to the sunnier side of doubt’ advised Tennyson. Live out your beliefs, and your doubts will cease to plague you.

Today, Lord, I echo the words of Martin Luther’s ‘doubter’s prayer’:

Dear Lord, Although I am sure of my position, I am unable to sustain it without You. Help me, or I am lost. Amen.