The Audacity of Faith! Part Five

“And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

I read a story about a village experiencing a famine because of drought. It was a very sad story but interesting and inspiring. The story read like this: Once, all villagers decided to pray for rain during a famine due to drought. They were all gathered in a circle in the open, late that night, under the open sky, away from the town. The moon shone brightly amid dark blue clouds with a bright outlook of rich stars on the full moon night. All the faithful (as a whole) were in a place.

While the villagers stood attentively with faith to pray, a screaming child came running up the aisle. Stumbling to find a space in the back rows, he attempted to catch his breath while holding an open umbrella over his head. Some villagers couldn’t allow the umbrella to cover their shoulders, so they turned around to see what was happening. Some thought it was fine, while others were annoyed because that caused a space between them where they were supposed to stand and hold hands together in prayer.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

The boy was curious about everyone’s looks but serious about holding his umbrella, but then one of the elders said something along the lines and firmly admonished the child. “Why did you bring the umbrella, young fellow?” said the elder to the child. “Do not you see there is no rain, and we have come here to pray for rain?” Only a fool would stand on a clear night like this with his umbrella open. Yes, I understand you, sir, the child said. I came to pray for open heaven and rain too. I do not doubt that my prayer will be answered, and it will rain. Not only that, but I have complete faith in God, and that’s why I brought my umbrella. As the boy replied, everybody was stunned and searched their inner being for the absolute certainty absent in their faith and hope.

Brethren, the audacity of faith is on full display with the child’s story, who brought an umbrella to prayer to ask for rain. It’s a beautiful act of hope and determination, showing that no matter what the situation looks like, we must always be prepared for the possibility of a miracle when we pray. This attitude separates people who move the mountain from those who don’t. When it comes to faith, it’s not something you can get out of your head but something that takes root in your heart and soul; it’s something you have to choose to believe even when everything seems hopeless. James 2:24 says, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Amen.

Prayer:
1. Lord, I thank you for your word that never fails my family and me to produce the expected results and answers to our daily obedience prayers.
2. Oh Lord, increase my faith and help me to be obedient to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.