We have been given no assurance that faith in God will spare us disappointment, trouble, or sorrow. Some of the most Faithful people have experienced great tragedy, failure, and disappointment. We face many of the same problems and temptations others do. In fact, we are likely to become more sensitive to human need and to problems of which others may be unaware or do not heed. But we can face each day and every circumstance with the assurance that God is with us--in the good and in the bad, in success and in failure, in life and in death. We are not alone!
This is the Gospel we affirm as United Methodists. It assures us that God's grace and love surrounds us and encourages us, goes before us and upholds us. This Gospel envisions a new creation, a new haven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). It looks forward to a day when this world shall be transformed by the spirit of the Eternal. We are even invited to help bring that day nearer. Our faith is grounded in this kind of vision.
How do United Methodists define faith? Faith has as many facets as a fine-cut jewel. Faith is living in terms of hope and making our decisions on the basis of hope. It gives a person the benefit of the doubt. It turns negatives into positives, despair into promise. Faith is seeking to go where we believe God is calling us to go and do what we believe God is calling us to do. It lends heart and lands to lift up those who are fallen. Faith never gives up. Faith is knowing that God stands with us in the hour of separation, abandonment, or death. We are assured that our agony and pain are matched by healing love and grace.
