Faith

 

Faith

Teaching Summary

This teaching from Founded In Truth Ministries, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, explores the nature of faith, particularly focusing on the tension between trusting in our own security and placing complete faith in God (Yeshua). Vander Els uses the analogy of a woman chasing her child through a rotating door at an airport to illustrate how our carefully constructed plans and sources of security can quickly crumble when life throws unexpected challenges our way. He then connects this idea to the biblical account of Peter walking on water, highlighting how Peter's initial faith in Yeshua faltered when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the surrounding waves.

 

Applying the Teaching to Everyday Life

Vander Els emphasizes the following principles for living out faith in daily life:

• Recognize the Limitations of Our Own "Boats": Just as Peter placed his trust in the familiar security of the boat, we often find ourselves relying on jobs, finances, relationships, or other worldly sources of stability. Vander Els encourages listeners to acknowledge that these sources of security are ultimately temporary and unreliable.
• Keep Our Eyes Fixed on Yeshua: When challenges arise and our "boats" begin to sink, our natural inclination is to panic and focus on the overwhelming circumstances. True faith requires keeping our gaze fixed on Yeshua, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and trusting in his power to sustain us even amidst the storms.
• Release Control and Embrace God's Plan: Just as the woman at the airport had to surrender her carefully crafted itinerary, we, too, must be willing to release our grip on our own plans and trust in God's higher purposes. This requires humility, recognizing that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
• Seek Relief and Healing at Yeshua's Feet: Vander Els uses the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) to demonstrate the transformative power of surrendering our "issues" to Yeshua. Just as this woman found healing when she reached out in faith, we can experience God's healing and provision when we humbly come to him with our needs.
• Recognize Our Need for God's Provision: Vander Els points to the birds of the air (Matthew 6:25-26) as an example of God's faithfulness to provide. Just as God cares for the birds, he will provide for our needs when we prioritize seeking his kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

 

Biblical References and Quotes

Vander Els draws from key biblical passages and concepts to support his teaching on faith:

• Matthew 14:22-33: The account of Peter walking on water.
• Mark 5:25-34: The healing of the woman with the issue of blood.
• Numbers 15:37-41: The significance of the tassels (tzitzit) on the corners of garments as a reminder of God's commandments and covenant.
• Matthew 6:25-33: Do not worry about your life; seek first the kingdom of God.
• 1 Kings 18: The account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
• Psalm 20: A psalm of David expressing trust in God's deliverance and victory.

 

Quotes and Concepts

Vander Els uses additional concepts and quotes to illustrate the deeper significance of faith:

• The Hem of the Garment: Vander Els highlights the significance of the hem of the garment in ancient Near Eastern culture, explaining how grabbing the hem of someone's garment signified submission, covenant, and dependence. He connects this concept to the woman with the issue of blood who was healed when she touched the hem of Jesus' garment.
• Limping Between Two Opinions: Vander Els uses the phrase "limping between two opinions" from 1 Kings 18:21 to describe the spiritual state of those who waver between trusting in God and relying on other sources of security. He encourages his listeners to choose definitively to put their faith in God.

 

Conclusion

Vander Els concludes by encouraging his listeners to fully surrender their lives to God, embracing faith as an active and ongoing journey of trusting in God's provision and faithfulness, even when circumstances are uncertain. He emphasizes that true faith is not passive but requires stepping out of our comfort zones, "walking on water," and trusting that God will meet us in the midst of our doubts and fears.

 

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