How My Faith Grew

I just watched my Dad trust me completely to provide and care for him. Dad became an object lesson of what faith in the Lord should be. As he became more childlike in many aspects of life, he became a simpler person. By the way, I mean "simple" in a positive way. Maturity in the ways of this world brings with it confusion, corruption, and complexity. But Dad returned to a place of simplicity, quiet contentment with himself and the world around him, a child-like trust that his children would not abandon him, that we would care, nurture, and love him, and when he faced a situation beyond his ability or power, he knew we would step in to wield power on his behalf.

I have written earlier about the stewardship responsibility of being a caregiver. It is an awesome task, involving God-like authority, with life and death decision-making capability, and powers over health, finances, livelihood, etc. Just the thought of it chills me. And Dad learned to trust me more and more. He could accept my help when he was struggling. At meal time, at bath time, at shaving time, at dressing time, and at bed time, he realized that I would be strong and consistent on his behalf to do anything, beyond his skill, power, or ability, to care for him and his needs. He was never completely deprived of his mind or memories. Faith is fueled as we look back across our lives and see the hand of the Lord guiding us and stepping in to act on our behalf. Similarly, Dad knew that I would act on his behalf, not because he could see it or touch it, but because he imagined it to be so, based on what he knew about me.

This reminds me of Hebrews 11:1.  "...faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  The Lord used Dad to develop my own faith, by reminding me about its nature (child-like trust), its object (the Lord Jesus Christ), and its benefits (watching the impossible become actual). I pray as I grow in the grace of the Lord that my faith will ask big things of the Lord, and expect big things from Him.