Written by Kass Ferm
I recently stumbled upon a really thought-provoking article by Vivian Bricker on Colossians 1, and it got me thinking—really thinking—about my own journey with faith. Bricker delves into how Paul emphasizes that everything was created by Jesus and for him and that he is our Lord and Savior. She challenges us to strive for the vibrant faith the Colossians held, a faith that spread the good news far and wide. It struck a chord with me. How do we cultivate that kind of living faith in our own lives, here and now?
I felt compelled to dive deeper, use Bricker's questions as a framework for my reflections, and share those reflections with you. I hope that, by honestly wrestling with these questions, we find new ways to express our gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice and deepen our connection with the Father.
Here are the questions Bricker posed and the answers that have been stirring within me:
1. Do you believe you have “enough” faith? Why do you think this is a struggle for so many of us?
That's a profound question, isn't it? For me, as someone who was saved just over a year ago, the answer is a complex one. I do have faith. I genuinely believe in Jesus. I think he came to earth, fully God and fully human, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross to bear our sins, and rose again to offer us salvation. I believe he is my provider, my protector, the very reason I breathe, sing, dance, and experience the world. He is why I can sip my morning coffee and explore new places. Without his grace, I wouldn’t be here. I have faith that he chooses who is saved and that I, like all who believe, have been brought to him by the Father's grace.
But this is just the beginning. I’m still relatively new to this walk; there's so much more to learn, experience, and do to walk closely with him. I am keenly aware that I must remember his presence in the good times, not just when I struggle. John 6 describes Jesus as the bread of life, promising that those who seek him will never hunger or thirst. It's a powerful reminder.
I need to actively remember that he is the living bread and that as long as I walk with him, as long as I maintain unconditional faith, and as long as I remember his grace, mercy, and love with every breath, my faith can continue to grow. It’s not enough to rely on him only when I need something. That's a very selfish way to approach our relationship with Christ. Jesus sacrificed everything for us so that we could have a life, and for me to show my gratitude, I must continue to show my unwavering thankfulness to him in every moment of every day. I need to keep my eyes fixed on him, remain faithful, and live a life that reflects the abundant fruit of that devotion and gratitude. When I do this, I find myself less likely to give in to sin and earthly desires that distract me from his grace and love, and I know others can see that I'm walking with Christ.
I think so many of us struggle with faith or the feeling that we don’t have "enough" because we are often so easily distracted by the world. We're constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we don't need God, especially when life seems smooth sailing. The enemy always distracts us from the Kingdom and Jesus's love. He offers us fleeting pleasures – alcohol, drugs, pornography, fleeting relationships – things that go against the very nature of Christ. People become consumed by violence, politics, greed, and worldly desires in a desperate attempt to fill a void in their souls, a void that only Jesus can fill because He is the truth and the only thing that truly satisfies.
I've seen this in my own life. Having more faith in Jesus means that I can experience freedom from old patterns and instead choose to seek his will. I no longer need to indulge in things that took me away from him. He has saved me from those desires. I am thankful for how he has worked to steer me towards a better path. And now, I realize that what I truly need, and what Jesus calls me to do, is to be patient, to continue to seek His will, and to wait for the path He has planned for me. I know He will bring a Christian man into my life at the perfect time, a man who loves Jesus and also loves me, and with whom I can serve Him and contribute to this world in beautiful ways – by caring for the poor, supporting our loved ones, and working for positive change.
Perhaps I will never marry, but that is up to God's plan for my life and His timing. If He never wants me to marry and establish a family, I will trust in Him and dedicate my waking hours to the Lord. I may find myself in a life of monasticism! The thought is peaceful.
I want to share some insights on nuns because the Lord has been compelling me to learn more about them.
A Note on Nuns:
Out of curiosity, because the Lord compelled me to think about nuns, I researched the most influential nuns throughout history and stumbled upon an article.
https://media.ascensionpress.com/2020/01/07/10-catholic-nuns-who-changed-the-world/ 10 Catholic Nuns Who Changed the World by Melissa Keating Jan 7, 2020
The article discusses the remarkable life of St. Edith Stein, born in 1891. She was a brilliant philosopher who converted to Catholicism after being raised Jewish. She later became a Carmelite nun, praying for the suffering of Jewish people during the war. She wrote extensively and encouraged other women to follow Jesus. Her life is a testament to faith and resilience. Her story inspires me to pray for all those suffering under oppressive governments, the very kinds of governments she was persecuted by.
2. How can you display your faith in your life?
This question makes me think about how we can live out our faith. I express my faith in several ways. I don’t shy away from sharing that I’m a Christian and a follower of Jesus with anyone I meet. I also regularly share Bible verses and worship songs on my Instagram, hoping to encourage others and show them that salvation is possible and that Jesus is the hope and the light. I hope that how I treat others reflects what some call the "Jesus glow," that sense of radiating Jesus' love and faith. Ally Yost from the "Christ with Coffee on Ice" podcast talks about how you can just tell when someone is living their faith. It's about showing love and respect to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
I also want to focus more on giving to others, especially since I'm a student and a solo traveller. I can easily get caught up in my studies and my own experiences. But I want to find more ways to help others through small acts of kindness or more significant initiatives. For example, while travelling in Bali, I encountered a homeless man asking for food. We walked to a convenience store, and I bought him some nuts, noodles, and water. It was a small gesture, but I want to do this more often, actively seeking opportunities to help others and spreading kindness. When I treated the barista, a trans woman, with love and compassion, I saw her face light up, and I hope that it helps her spread more love to everyone she meets.
This ties in beautifully with 1 John 4:19-21: "We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." If we genuinely love God and Jesus, then we must love others. Our actions and words must reflect that love.
3. How can you increase your faith in the Lord rather than doubting Him?
This is the biggest challenge, and it requires daily work. It’s so easy to get distracted by earthly things and desires. It's particularly challenging when I'm travelling solo and don't have a consistent Christian community around me. I only connect with other Christians when I go to church on Sundays, and even then, it can be challenging to make meaningful connections since I'm constantly moving.
So, how do I combat doubt?
Seeking Community:
I’m incredibly blessed to have grandparents who are deeply devoted to the Lord. They offer me so much guidance, and when I feel isolated from the church, they always bring me back in, reminding me of Jesus’s faithfulness. They've been Christians for decades. They have studied the Bible, walk closely with Jesus, and are incredible role models. When I meet people who aren’t religious or of other faiths, having them in my corner is a blessing! They are people I can call or text to be reminded of how good Jesus is!
Engaging with Scripture:
I must consciously nudge myself to read the Bible regularly because school or social media can easily pull me away. But when I do, it immediately brings me peace and joy. It reminds me of His love and faithfulness. I'm working on building a stronger community that will encourage me to read more scripture, and I hope that as time goes on, I can dedicate more time to reading His Word!
Prayer:
There is never enough prayer, and Jesus wants us to constantly converse with Him. Whether walking in the park or sitting silently, praying makes me feel closer to Him. He wants to be with me always, and since we have eternity together, it is essential to strengthen this relationship.
Prayer for the Oppressed:
And finally, just as I am compelled to reflect on St. Edith Stein, I am also compelled to pray for those who suffer for their faith under oppressive regimes. I want to include some of the countries in which Christians are facing persecution and oppression from their governments.
Sudan: In Sudan, the government is known for its religious persecution and ties to extremist groups. Religious minorities are often repressed, with sharia law enforced, and they face constant threats. It is important to remember to pray for the Christians and other religious minorities who are unable to safely practice their faith there (Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/radical-intolerance-sudan-s-religious-oppression-and-embrace-extremist-groups by Enough Project on 12 Dec 2017). My prayers go out for the equal rights of everyone in Sudan, regardless of their ethnicity or religious background, and for freedom of speech and the ability to openly proclaim faith in Jesus Christ. I pray for the downfall of the groups that threaten those who do not follow Islam and for the salvation of the people of Sudan.
Iran: Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has been a theocracy that is hostile to those who do not follow Islam. Loyalty to Iran requires adherence to Jaafari Shia Islam, and those who dissent face harsh penalties, including arrest and even death. However, according to reports, the Christian population is growing despite the oppression. (Source: https://www.persecution.org/2024/10/18/iran-where-oppression-helps-the-church-grow/ Iran: Where Oppression Helps the Church Grow, October 18, 2024). I pray for the Christians and other oppressed minorities who are subject to the will of their governments for the sole reason of following our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-reflection! As I write, I am reminded of what it truly means to be a Christian and a follower of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank God for this beautiful day. If you’re reading this, I pray that you will grow closer to God, walk with Jesus, and realize just how much love He has for you. No human being will ever love you like Jesus. He is the truth, the light, and the bread of life. You will feel whole when you accept Him. Praise be to God!
Bless you.
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