Did you ever realize some of the very things you learned in elementary science class were teaching you faith principles? You remember elementary science class. You put the seed in a plastic bag and taped it to the window so it would get the necessary sunlight and you watched the plant grow from it. The seed would pop open and the roots would begin to shoot down and then after what seemed like forever, the first shoot of the plant would begin pushing up from the seed. Or maybe your teacher had you plant seeds in a dirt cup and you put them in the windowsill and you had to water it every third day hoping you would be the first one in the class with the shoot popping up.
Both with the seed in the bag and the seed in the cup, it took time for the plant to begin to grow. The seed had to break open and the roots had to begin their descent downward to anchor the plant before it would begin its ascent upward into a healthy plant. If you had a seed in a bag, you could witness this process so you knew something was happening. If you planted your seed in dirt, you could only hope things were happening, but you were forced to wait and see.
Life is a lot like a seed in the dirt. You take steps to make things happen, you pray faithfully to the Lord asking Him for what you want, and then you have to wait and hope things are going to happen. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It is hard to believe in something when you cannot see any evidence it is happening, but if you could see it taking place then faith would not be required. Just like with the seed, the work we cannot see going on in our situation is necessary and may be critical.
When we put our trust in Jesus and His promises, we can rest in peace and know He is at work in our lives even when we cannot see it happening. We can trust the history of His faithfulness in our lives and the lives of others. Revelation 19:11 calls Him “faithful and true” because throughout time He has proven Himself to be so.
The question we all have isn’t if God is able to do what we want or need. Most of us would admit we know He is capable [Ephesians 3:20]. The question we have and fail to voice is “Is God willing?” So many believers wander through life without really knowing if God is willing. Scripture reminds us over and over He is [1 Thessalonians 5:24]. By diving in the Word daily, we build up our assurance He is for us [Psalm 126:3]. Once that issue is settled in our hearts, we will be able to rest in the promise of 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.”