Let me begin by saying how grateful I am to those who make gifts that allow this ministry to touch so many lives. Your generous support is a real godsend.

How would you define faith?

The book of Hebrews gives us the classic answer: "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

It's a beautiful definition. But it can feel a little far away… until you see someone actually living it.

Pastor J. Howard Olds brings it down to earth:

Faith is the rare courage to act on that which you cannot yet prove to be true.
Faith is leaving a fresh grave with enough hope to carry on.
Faith is writing a song of thanksgiving when the rent is due.
Faith is accepting forgiveness when it seems nothing more than a distant dream.
Faith is proclaiming peace while you still feel the turmoil inside.
Faith is letting your hair down enough to receive the mercy of God.

How would you finish the sentence today?

Faith is…

Prayer: Loving God, give us faith for the hard places. Faith for the fresh grave and the rent that's due. Faith to accept your forgiveness, and to speak peace when we don't yet feel it. On the darkest nights, help us trust you enough to take the next step with you. Amen.

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