Faith in God is not a human work

...He surprised me when he turned and grabbed me by my shoulders and with no small measure of exuberance declared, “Even after his death, we all found ourselves unable to battle the doubt in our hearts.... But did our doubts stop his plan? Never! He appeared glorified in our presence on many occasions after having risen from the dead and that same resurrection power was soon to be poured out into our lives.”  He slapped both of my shoulders and boasted, “There are no other god’s of men that can make that claim. That’s our savior, young man, and the One True God.” (A conversation between the Apostle John and his protege, Polycarp; from my novel - Polycarp, a destroyer of our gods).

This truth remains unchanged; our doubts, weaknesses, even weak faith cannot stop the plan of God. Faith is not a human  work, but it is a proof of God’s work through our lives. And that’s the point we often overlook; God’s glory is revealed to impress us and to produce an awe of him. This is why a Christian who sees this reality is called a “blessed” person.

The word “blessed” describes a condition of inexplicable happiness brought about by the impact of something or someone else beyond our personal control or influence. Probably the closest concept I can think of to describe this condition is “luck.” However, this is hardly speaking of a happy accident or being at the right place at the right time. This is the intentional act of God to impact our life with the most exciting news that could be communicated to someone who is actually worthy of opposite treatment.

We are blessed by the force of faith whereby God makes us see not only his plan unfold, but the actual work taking place inside of us to such a degree that we we don’t need physical eyesight to believe, but are convinced of his working in the core of our being.

And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:31-32)