Overcoming Worry by Pete BriscoeSample

The Faith Formula

Faith combined with hope grows into trust. — Brennan Manning

Honestly, deep down inside, don’t we all search for the magic formula that will get us what we want? The quirky ritual that makes our team score… The calculation that gives us the winning lottery numbers… The actions that make people love us… The prayers that twist God’s arm to get Him to do what we want.

But, despite our misdirected searches for happiness and meaning, there’s a better formula that works every time.

Faith + hope = trust.

That’s the equation for life.

Faith can be simply defined as bringing everything to Jesus—being honest about our hopes and fears and trusting in Him for everything. Period. We even see it played out in Scripture. Consider the desperate dad of a boy possessed by a violent demonic spirit. He brought his son to Jesus and cried out an honest request:

“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:22-24)

The man’s trust was so-so and his hope was weak. Yet, in faith, he brought his desire to Jesus seeking healing.

Faith is bringing everything to Jesus. Faith + hope = trust. What do you need to bring to Him right now?

Father, I’ve spent years trying to pump up my own faith so that when I pray, I can pray with confidence. The truth is I believed this confidence would get me what I want. Father, I’m ready to stop trying and start bringing. In fact, this prayer is the first step. I bring to You my misunderstanding of faith. May Your complete knowledge abound in me. Amen.