The Character of Faith by Alice Ray Overstreet

As a teenager, I experienced disappointments for things I wanted to do that taught me not to “count my chickens before they hatch.” I applied for and was not accepted to attend a national Girl Scout camp. I tried out for the high school powder puff football team and was not selected. I applied for jobs and wasn’t hired. Disappointment became a great motivator for depending on my faith in God because I was not in charge. In each instance, my mom provided solace and reminded me of our family’s beliefs and the faith I had been learning ever since I was in the Methodist church nursery. Faith would carry me through the future disappointments of one type or another that would always be in my path. Faith has given me the strength to avoid spending much time in “worry mode.” It has also allowed me to provide comfort and care for those around me who tend to worry. God will take care of them, too.

Faith is not works. We work because God works in us, not to prove our faith. Our faith allows us to experience God’s love in its fullest form, and His grace strengthens our faith. We choose to use our faith for His good in the works we perform.

Faith exemplifies strength. Recently I talked with a family member of immigrants who flew to Miami from Nicaragua in August with entry papers allowing them to come into the US. Speaking no English, they had no job prospects; they arrived with faith that family and others here would help them, and they did. They plan to travel to New Jersey, where the wife’s father owns his own company and will give them work. Their faith is sure and solid, and their assurance gives them the strength to continue on. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is honest and giving. When we share what we have with others we are showing our love and faith as the widow did when she gave her small coins at the temple. Faith expressed in even small ways is how we give of ourselves for God’s use. When we give from our hearts, we give honestly. Mark 12:44 “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

Faith is for doubters. We have all probably doubted God at the worst of times. The disciples experienced it and so have we. When we find calm, our faith returns and we experience God’s grace. God works in us, and we become strong again in the knowledge that we have salvation through Jesus Christ.

Faith sustains us. Faith is the knowledge that God listens and cares about us. We don’t know which of our prayers God will answer, but faith allows us to accept His answers.

Faith is love. Charles H. Spurgeon wrote a recipe for character, which sums up our reliance on the faith that travels with us through both good and bad times. When we practice our faith, we show our love for others. “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”

Faith grows. As we mature, we see faith in action among family, friends and community. We become more sure, more rooted. Our faith becomes less shaken and we become doers of the Word, not just listeners.

Faith makes us who we are. Faith leads to optimism, and optimism leads to hope. When we hold onto God’s promises and live out our faith, we become the best we can be. That’s what God wants for us.