Belmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample

Day 36 – Faith

One of my favorite summer pastimes growing up as a child was going to Lake Michigan. There is nothing like it. The sensation of running down 60-foot sand dunes, and into the water still brings a childlike smile to my face. The best times were when waves were especially large, and you could simulate the “Six Flags Wave Pool” with your friends.

However, sometimes the waves might be too aggressive, but you always knew that the beach lifeguards were available if anything were to go wrong. It was their job to protect you, and if anything ever happened, you just had to get their attention to get the assistance you needed. If all went well, then you never even had to talk with them. Unfortunately, Christianity can oftentimes be just the same.

It is easy to say we have faith in the Lord. We come up with ideas like “I always trust that Christ is watching over me” or “I know that the Lord is guiding me, and will protect me.” The problem with this approach is that your faith is actually inhibiting your relationship with the Lord. Instead of being a relationship filled with two-way communication, you stymie the opportunity for Christ to be involved by making him your lifeguard. Only in times of strife will you call on him to request help, and after everything is better, you say thank you and go on your way. True faith is developing your relationship with Christ when times are bad, but even more imperative, when times are good. The seasons of life when you are successful are the times that are hardest to hear God’s voice. We grow confident in our abilities, and overlook the need for Christ in our life.

My task for you is simple, find comfort in knowing that the Lord will protect you during trials, but during the fruitful periods of your life, be even more intentional about listening to the sound of His voice. Read the following verse, and find peace in the Lord’s grace-filled promise of protection, and remember that the faithful act of needing the Lord is necessary not only during the bad, but the good as well.

EVAN METCALF | TT, Senior | International Business major