Faithless < > Faithful

In his book Crazy Love Francis Chan asks,

—–What are you doing right now
—–that requires faith? (p. 124)

When the question was first posed to him in a class at Bible college, Francis Chan came to the conclusion that he wasn’t really doing anything in particular that required a whole lot of faith.  He figured his everyday life wouldn’t be a whole lot different for him if he didn’t believe in God.

On the one hand, I empathize with Francis Chan.  A lot of times I’ll make plans and run with them, only afterwards asking God to “baptize” them with His blessing.  And then there are the occasions when I find myself completely overwhelmed by some situation only to discover that not once have I brought it to God in prayer.  I don’t think I’m the only one to profess a trust in God … as long as everything’s in control, there’s money in the bank, I’m healthy, and the right people think well of me.  I say I live by faith … but I have my backups and safety nets in place as best as I can just in case the unknown happens.  So often I go on my own strength, and only when I really run stuck will I turn to God.  (Of course, there’s something to be said about needing to live wisely and responsibly…)

Having confessed that, there’s also a part of me that would answer the question by saying “Everything!”  You think being a human being, husband, father, friend, and pastor is something I can do well naturally?!  If it weren’t for the gift of faith and for the reality of God’s grace and Spirit, I wouldn’t be who I am doing what I do.  None of it would exist.  I don’t think I’d exist!

So I feel it’s a bit of a trick question.  Sure, asking it challenges you, but it might also create undue guilt.

Related to this is a better quote from the book that I want to be able to honestly say myself more and more:

I’m thankful for the unknowns and that I don’t have control, because it makes me run to God. (p. 45)
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