Faith goes far beyond a ritual we practice daily for self enlightenment and the gaining of wisdom so that our lives might go better. Otherwise, religion would be worth no more than a course on finance, math, science, history, etc.
Theology might be the study of our attempts to understand and align our own thoughts and ways with the ways of God. But faith goes beyond that — to trusting Him when his ways go far beyond what our limited reasoning and perspective can process and comprehend.
When we read and consider Job, we inevitably encounter Job 13:15a. Which seems to me a beautiful parallel sentiment to Matthew 26:39.
Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
Job 13:15a ESV
And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39 ESV
And we encounter Job that seems a sentimental pair to Matthew 27:46.
Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?
Job 13:24 ESV
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:46 ESV
Faith isn’t learned or revealed on the mountaintops or in prosperity, but it is on display in the valley, in the fire, on the cross, in the darkness. This truth of how God is glorified through our weakness and His strength and by our failures and His victory is a mystery that the mind of a proud and successful man cannot probe. Only a humble and contrite man can approach and unlock this scroll, and set to flight the freeing wings of faith, and deliver a peace that passes understanding.
When dealing with real pain, suffering, loss, and hurt — we see through these examples that we can come to God with our questions and even our complaints and our requests. But faith will allow us to seek His face not just solely with our pleas for His hand to move to free us from it — but with our surrender to accept and trust that He is still working for our good even when we can’t see it in that moment.
A favorite song on this topic: https://youtu.be/qyUPz6_TciY
Harold J. Ballinger 