Get Into The Wheelbarrow!

By Eli Stutzman

May 1, 2012

Years ago when I was young in the faith, I became enthused about the gospel message as I understood it more and more. A young man in my Sunday school class came to me expressing how he thought I perhaps had found the key to faith. I pondered that because I had never thought of faith having or needing a key. The Bible says; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11: 1)

You have probably heard people speak of "blind faith". I do not believe that faith is blind. Faith has eyes as surely as we have natural eyes. Verse 6 of the same chapter says: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It is clear that faith is the key element in pleasing God. The Bible tells us that everything was created by the spoken word. Do you believe that? Look into the night sky and consider how far away those stars are. They look so interesting. What are they made of? They could be made of one solid diamond or other precious stone. We have no way of knowing.

The function of the human body is largely guided by DNA, the instructions that came with you when you were born. Your unraveled DNA would go to the sun, or even Pluto, many, many times. There are about six feet of DNA in every single cell in your body. Does that not speak of a creator? No wonder it says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" -Psalm 139:14.

Most of us have no problem believing in creation when we consider the evidence. The heavens and the earth speak of a creator to those who have eyes of faith. This I will call basic faith. This kind of faith is necessary before we have personal faith, but doesn't put self on the line.

Let me illustrate what personal faith looks like. In 1859 Charles Blondin walked across Niagara Falls in various modes, one which involved pushing a wheelbarrow on that rope. After a successful crossing, he stopped and addressed his audience: "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow? "The crowd shouted, "Yes, yes, yes! "Okay," said Blondin, "Get in the wheelbarrow!" The Blondin story is that no one did!

Now I admit that if I were there I would not have jumped into that wheelbarrow either. Faith would have to be built first. I would look him in the eye and ask if he was certain he could do it. The least hesitation and I would be gone! Then I would ask those who knew him best if they trusted him completely and why. All the while I keep the underlying question in mind; can I place my trust in him?

If we want to increase our faith in Jesus Christ, we study His claims to see if they are true and dependable. Faith is no longer blind, it just sees beyond natural sight. All the while as we study, the question is on our mind; can I trust him fully? Your confidence in the work of Jesus Christ as it applies to you will grow as you look at the evidence. That evidence is the testimony of the writers of the New Testament. Many find the gospel of John the most revealing.

When Jesus Christ came, many missed the event because they failed to consider the evidence that was presented. Prophets from long ago spoke of what he would be like, but it took eyes of faith to see, just as it does today. The angels rejoiced in the presence of the shepherds on that hillside near Bethlehem that a Savior was born. Did you realize angels are concerned about you personally? That makes the Bible a personal message. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15: 10)

This statement is true of you as well as me. Jesus came to save those who call upon his name. Because all have sinned; all have need of a Savior. (Romans 3: 23).

That too requires faith since scripture makes the claim. Do you believe that any sin will meet its just reward and that the wages of sin is death? Some say, "Oh, I'm not that bad. I believe the good will outweigh the bad". Unfortunately, that's not in the Bible. If we had a chance of making it to heaven by doing good, Jesus would not have needed to give his life as a ransom. By faith we understand we have need of a savior and by faith we reach out when we are convicted of sin. Our good works will not get us across. The first substitute most people look to is good works. Now it so happens that I love to see good works, but the Bible says they will not save any one of us.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us... -Titus 3:5

But what if I don't feel saved? Do I not trust? For most people, faith comes before feeling. Even though the feeling may not be there, the fact remains; God will honor his promises. Will you place your complete trust in Jesus?