Love Across Borders

I was born legally blind. Usually I can see enough to get by, but if I have to find a classroom where the room number is posted above the door, I can’t see it. When the church puts the words to the chorus on the big screen up front, I can’t see it. If I’m in a restaurant where the menu is hanging behind the counter, I can’t see it.

To compensate for not being able to see such things, I have to ask for help: “Do they have cheese curds here?†When the people around me are kind enough to answer my questions, I have to take them at their word. I can’t verify if cheese curds are on the menu until I say, “I’d like cheese curds with that†when I place my order.

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.†Most define faith as “belief†or “trust.†But take it from this legally blind guy: it’s a little deeper than that. I’m looking
for information to act on—information I can’t see. Faith relies on someone who has more power and knowledge than I do. My bad sight forces me to depend on others and take them at their word.

“For we live by faith, not by sight,†2 Corinthians 5:7 says. I know full well what this means. I regularly put my life into the hands of others who can see what they’re doing.

In the same way, God knows more than we do. He has more power, more insight, and is never wrong. We are wrong frequently. But, even though we are weak, the Holy Spirit leads us to rely on His strength (Romans 8:26; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Faith in Jesus is more than mental agreement with some statements; it’s living in light of sure information (1 John 5:20). It is resting in a secure relationship with our God and Savior, who we know is good and keeps His promises (John 10:14; Romans 1:1-6; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 John 3:1). • Jeff Weddle

• When have you been forced to depend on others? What can this teach you about faith in Christ?

• As Christians, our faith is in Jesus to save us from sin and death. Read Romans 8. What are some of the promises that are “yes and amen†in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20)?

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Luke 10:25-37