Many years ago, someone defined the word, “faith” with an acronym, each letter representing a different word beginning with that letter. It was:
FOR ALL, I TRUST HIM
The individual words are very simple, but together, they are deep and powerful. “For all, I trust in Him.” These words speak of trust, not just in some things, but in all things. For ALL, I trust Him. “All” is an inclusive word. It is an affirmation that one is willing to trust God, period. Regardless of the circumstances and in spite of uncertainty, even when we do not like the answer or outcome, for ALL, I trust Him.
This definition of faith helps us understand other aspects of the Christian life. Most of us have struggled with the Biblical admonition to give thanks in everything. Even if we understand that we don’t give thanks for everything, but only in everything, it is still hard to live with that perspective. Faith is what enables us to walk in that life of thankfulness in which we are called. When we trust Christ for everything, we can give thanks in everything.
THE FAITH OF SHADRACH, MESHACH, AND ABEDNEGO
The response of the three Hebrew men who were thrown in the fiery furnace is a good example of faith. Faith is not for keeping us out of the fire, though sometimes it does. Rather, it is for the fire. It is what enables us to face and walk through the fire. What they told Nebuchadnezzar is a statement of “For All, I Trust Him” faith. They said their God was able to save them from the fire, but even if He did not, they would only worship and serve the one true God.
“For All, I Trust Him” faith does not stop there, however. We know God can turn tragedy into triumph, and that He is able to deliver us from difficulties and destruction. We know God enables us to walk through the fire as we trust Him in faith. Still, real faith goes even further. Hebrews 11, lists many examples of heroes in the faith. Some had great victories, others endured great difficulties, but eventually overcame them. Still, others were tortured, stoned, even sawn in two. Real faith is not just for easy victories, nor is it just for difficult victories. Real faith includes those occasions in which one is “sawn in two” for the glory of God. We don’t just trust God in the victories. Faith is “For ALL, I Trust Him.”
When we are able to trust God for everything, we can face the fire, give thanks in all things, and even be faithful unto death knowing we will receive the crown of Life.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.