Faith

A simple word, five letters that denote,many perspectives, many meanings. The basic one being confidence in self, to overcome, to subdue any oppression that threatens its existence.

A multifaceted, multidimensional, word it is. Faith in the Divine and in the power of miracles. Believing in the mysteries of the supernatural, the reality of the invisible. Trusting in the Word, the Holy book, and in the many promises. Why, is it not faith that allows sleep at night with the assurance of a new morning, faith, in the conviction of a better tomorrow, that keeps us alive.

But faith as it is, was revealed to me in the form of a plant. A dying creeper, dead in fact and ready for the heap of trash. At first, healthy, growing well, then under attack from pests and the vagrant weather, the poor creeper was soon in distress . Days went by, she strived to stay alive, but the leaves turned yellow, dropped one by one, leaving behind only the branches, barren and dry .

Every morning, I watched this wasting life. Wrestling, she clung on for dear life, with just a shade of hope, a very short length of green. Watering, whispering words of encouragement, playing worship songs that were uplifting, I ministered to her, for the most part of a year. Even when she was given up for dead, I still persisted. Speaking aloud of nature’s wonders, of miracles that were not impossible. Maybe a lesson in endurance for me, than for this little plant.

Seeing her wither and dry, I occasionally turned away in disappointment, but unwilling to accede it was the end, I continued to nurture her and rallied her on. And then one day, there she stood, much to my amazement, greeting me with a small green shoot. A significant change, an extraordinary miracle it is. Though not entirely out of the woods, definitely reassuring it is.

A fulfilment of faith ! Was it the plant’s instinct to survive or my faith in a miracle ? Was it my nurturing or the plant’s desire to stay alive ? Whatever the reason may be, Faith as it is, was made known to me, a combination of beliefs. The most important being, the belief that we belong to the all powerful Creator,who loves and cares for us. His benevolence, mercy and grace will save us from all our hopeless circumstances Belief that persistent prayer, with gratitude and perseverance, will help us overcome, every dire situation.