Daily Devotionals

How is Faith Built?

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Scripture: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” – Psalm 46: 1-3 

What is Faith and how do you build it over time? This was a question I asked myself in the past and still ask myself now.

My grandfather was a pastor for more than 35 years, and as I grew older and watched how he led his life, I was able to answer my questions of faith. My grandfather grew up here in Columbia and went to Eau Claire High School. His mother passed away when he was at the young age of 14, which was very hard on him. He grew up and went into ministry, and it took off from there. I always remember listening to him preach when I was younger and being so proud saying that was my grandpa everyone was sitting there listening to. 

In his later years, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which eventually forced him to step down from the pulpit. I never knew him without Parkinson’s, so I grew up accustomed to him not moving as fast and using canes and eventually walkers. But no matter how angry he was with his legs not being able to work the way they used to, he always kept a smile on his face and a positive attitude (even though my grandma may beg to differ). This is what really was able to help me figure out what faith was. 

He could’ve easily been agitated with God for allowing him to get this disease, but no, he never wavered, even though he lost so much control of his body. He was able to show me and many others that everything happens for a reason, and you should use what God gives you as a gift to help others. I know he was able to help many people throughout his time as a pastor, and I know he helped me. 

One of his favorite verses was Psalm 46: 1-10, which reads, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; He utters His voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the LORD; see what desolations He has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; He burns the shield with fire. ‘Be still and know that I am God!…’”

This verse really symbolizes my grandfather’s entire faith and attitude in life. Live without fear because God is always there for you, no matter the constant struggles you may face in everyday life. Throughout my time observing my grandfather’s life, he was able to help me answer one of the hardest questions in life without speaking a word to me about it. He showed me what faith was! And I can’t thank him enough for that.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for gifting us with people who show us the meaning of faith. Amen. 

Submitted by Judson Holmes, Senior at AC Flora High School