Undaunted …

For some odd reason, many preachers today have elevated the value of doubt. In stark contrast, the scriptures routinely tell the stories of heroes whose faith remained undaunted.

From Joseph in a pit or in prison, Esther facing a king uninvited, David in a cave with his enemy, Daniel in a lion’s den, Job after he had lost everything, Stephen being stoned, or Paul in chains, we read of men and women who have suffered greatly for their devotion to God, yet whose faith remained undaunted.

How did they have such undaunted faith?

1. Their faith was real.
Believing in God was not a theoretical exercise for these men and women, it was something they lived out every day. Faith wasn’t something they claimed when God was good to them, and then something they wrestled with when circumstances became difficult. Their faith remained undaunted because it was placed entirely in their unchanging, faithful God and not in the ever-changing circumstances of life.

2. God mattered most.
They had settled in their lives the question of who or what mattered most to them. Above any person, place, or thing, they worshiped God. He mattered most, and their lives consistently demonstrated that reality.

3. They held the right position.
Each of these men and women saw their role in life as that of bringing glory to God through their lives. We’ve flipped that around and think God looks glorious depending on how well He takes care of us, as if His greatness depends on His performance toward us. Taking that position, we make ourselves significant and the object of value. But these heroes of the faith held an opposite position, understanding that God is glorious and the only one to be glorified.

4. They relied on God.
In situations so dire — truly life and death predicaments — these men and women relied on God. Believing God was bigger than the troubles they faced was more than a platitude for them, it was the reality they lived out. At the deepest depths of their being, God was the source of life for these men and women.

5. They trusted God.
You either trust someone or you don’t. If you don’t, you doubt. If you do, you rest in your confidence in them. These heroes of the faith trusted God; they had confidence in who He was, and therefore could trust Him in any situation in life, even with their lives.

Just like these heroes of the faith, we will face temptations, tests and trials. In fact, Jesus says we can count on troubles coming our way …

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows …” John 16:33a.

But it’s the remaining part of that verse that gives us reason to remain undaunted in our faith:

“… But take heart, because I have overcome the world,” John 16:33b.

Knowing that, Paul encourages us to be people whose faith is undaunted:

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Some people live lives with an undaunted doubt; regardless of God’s track record of faithfulness to us, they are undaunted in questioning Him. Others live lives of an undaunted faith in Christ. How do you live?

Scotty