Dear COA family,
Faith is essential for daily living. Without faith — without the confidence that things will ultimately turn out well in the end — life becomes very difficult to endure.
Why is this so?
This is because much of life is lived without seeing the full picture. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. We cannot control every circumstance around us. There will be seasons of uncertainty, disappointment, suffering, and waiting. Without faith, we easily become anxious, fearful, bitter, or discouraged.
Yet even more important than the concept of faith is the need to keep faith.
The Apostle Paul emphasises this in his epistle to the Romans: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17).
In other words, it is not merely a one-time intellectual assent that matters, but a faith that continues, perseveres, and sustains us throughout life. True faith is enduring faith.
Just this week, I witnessed the blessing of keeping faith with God. I heard from a former saint who is now doing well and has obtained a place in university to pursue a double degree of her choice. Yet when she was staying in SA Hall, she struggled deeply with self-doubt and depression. At that time, there seemed to be little hope that things would improve. But by God’s grace, things eventually turned out well as she continued to hold on in faith. I was deeply thankful to God for His mercy and goodness.
Why am I sharing this?
We have now come to the end of a very hectic first five months of the year. Some of you may have experienced disappointments, setbacks, or ongoing struggles — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Perhaps you are carrying burdens that seem difficult to overcome.
Yet faith enables us to continue believing that God is still at work, even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Faith keeps us from giving up.
More specifically, faith is a life lived in trust in God’s character, promises, and leading, even when circumstances seem unclear. It is choosing to rely on God rather than on our own understanding.
The writer of Proverbs says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
While we cannot clearly see the future, God sees the whole journey. He knows every step ahead of us, and He will guide and sustain us through every season of life.
God bless,
Revd Ian