Posted by rayww on December 27, 2002, at 1:35:02
In reply to Re: what is stronger, faith or belief?, posted by Dinah on December 26, 2002, at 21:07:37
> Well, if you received an answer, wouldn't that be "seeing" God, and thus reduce the need for faith? Or do you think you need faith in order to receive an answer, in which case praying wouldn't serve to increase faith...
When you receive an answer it strengthens your belief and testimony that there is a living God, but there is still a need for faith until you "see" him face to face.
I remember in high school falling asleep in an exam. I said a silent prayer, having no faith that it would help, and asked that I might wake up long enough to finish the test. As I thought the words I suddenly became wide awake and alert. That was the shock of my life because I hadn't asked in faith, yet I received a startling answer. God got my attention that day.
God has a personality and a sense of humor. He knows how to get our attention. After suffering several tragedies in my family, I told him all right already, he had my attention and I resolved to serve more faithfully from then on. Where much is given, much is expected, and I knew he expected more from me than what I was doing. He knew my weaknesses, and knew I was bipolar, though He probably had a different name for it, like "gift" or something.
>
> What if you don't receive an answer, yet have faith anyway? Or believe anyway? I haven't the gift of prayer. All my life, I wanted to be like Joseph Smith. I wanted to ask in all earnestness what was true, and receive an answer. It didn't have to come with angels or visions, just with a still small voice. And I never did. I do have faith that there is a God, and I love Him and trust in His goodness.. But for the rest, the particulars, I have studied and studied, I have beliefs, I have theories, but I'm open to the possibility that they are completely wrong. I figure I won't know for sure until and unless I can check it out.
>
> >
> > Faith is by the grace of God, a gift bestowed upon us for trying.
>
> Yes, I do believe faith, like all other gifts, is by the grace of God. I suppose He has other plans for me though. :)Perhaps (what if) your words to others are *their* answer to prayers. Where would that put you? You don't think the still small voice guides your thoughts at the keyboard? Dinah it's been with you all along.
I know what you mean about wanting the answer. sometimes our answers come in direct proportion to need and desire. Maybe you'll get it tonight : ) fasting can bring it on. it brought mine. i asked, hoping to receive an answer and after the third day of pretty much constant prayer it came like a tingling that entered at my head and went through my whole body to the tips of my toes, and rested there, coming and going several times during that night. it felt like god was in me or i in him. i could never deny it. It was a physical/spiritual sensation. it was sacred and maybe i shouldn't be trying to describe it here. perhaps I got it because i would need it to get me through the crash that came soon after. i tell you, god meets you at the door of faith and gives you whatever you need to get you through the crunch times. I'm still here aren't I? You're still here aren't you? Why are we all still here? Do we have to be blind and deaf before we can see and hear?
poster:rayww
thread:1462
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20021001/msgs/1469.html