Faith & Flannel

Recently I spoke at our women’s breakfast, we invited the women to wear their favorite fall flannel.  It was fun to see them walk in, decked out in different colors and shapes of plaid. LOTS of plaids.

Why? Below is an excerpt of what I shared with the women.

The Pastor of Hebrews wrote, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen” (11:1). Faith is not a mindset of wishful thinking; it is assurance and conviction. As Paul would say, “being fully persuaded.” So persuaded that we act on what we believe. Biblical belief and faith at times can be interchangeable, but with a slight difference. I believe the chair will hold my weight; I act in faith and sit down. [See the book of James on faith and action].

Biblical faith (in Hebrew) conveys the idea of “go to the right hand.” Something (in the left hand) that was presumption or theory is now put to the right hand–established as truth. The right hand in scripture signifies strength. Remember when Joseph was in Egypt and the brothers came looking for food? Joseph sends the brothers back to their father, Jacob. They tell him about Joseph being alive. But at first Jacob’s heart, “became numb, for he did not believe them” (Genesis 45:26). He couldn’t put “to the right hand.” He couldn’t pass along the idea that his son Joseph (who was dead) was truthfully alive.  [*See more below].

Three kinds of active faith: (there are more, I just pulled these forward).

Gutsy Faith: (Mark 5) The gal with a bleeding issue. She had suffered for twelve years, having seen doctors with no results. With the bleeding issue, according to Jewish custom, she was unclean and should have stayed on the outskirts of the crowd and announce “UNCLEAN!” when coming close to anyone–but she didn’t, not this time. She had heard about Jesus. She not only goes into the crowd, but she reaches out and grabs the hem of Jesus’ robe. She thought “If I just touch His garment I will be healed.” 

Here’s some background. In Numbers 15:38 the men were instructed to make tassels and put on the corners of their garments. These corners (in Hebrew) can also mean “wings.” Interesting, in Malachi 4:2 “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” Jesus wore a garment with these tassels hanging on the corners. She was fully persuaded she would find healing in the corners of His garment.  She did. Jesus healed her. We also see (Matthew 14) the sick folks begged Jesus to let them touch the edge of His cloak, and all who did were healed. It wasn’t the corner/tassel–it was the man with the corners–it was Jesus! Gutsy faith–fully persuaded, going beyond!

Next, Generous faith: (Luke 5) Remember the 4 guys who lowered their paralyzed friend, down from the roof–right in front of Jesus? They did what the paralyzed man couldn’t do for himself. They personally take him to Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, the paralyzed man was healed.  Folks, find you some generous friends, friends who (have faith in God) and regardless of the cost of time, and energy, know how to take you to Jesus! With dedication and creativity.

May I add, there are many things that paralyze us. Things that we allow to numb us, dull our hearing, and our ability to see clearly.  Circumstances that cause us to freeze up. Or we are weakened by the junk of this world. We can support others with our faith, having complete assurance, that going to Jesus is the BEST plan (like the generous men who cared enough to carry their friend to Jesus).

Gut honest faith: (Mark 9) The story of the father with the possessed son.  The demon throws the boy into convulsions. The dad says to Jesus, “If You can do anything, help us.” Jesus said, “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  The father answers honestly, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” 

How many of us have said this! If not said, perhaps felt. “I do believe, help my unbelief.” You can almost see the dad step aside and give Jesus full access to his son. Faith (at times) doesn’t make sense–it makes room. Room for Jesus to do what only HE can do! Jesus delivers and heals the boy.

Faith can be difficult at times, but gut honest faith gets out of the way, looking to God to grow us, declaring “God is Who He said He is, He will do what He said He will do.” We don’t have to have it ALL together, ALL the right answers.  Just come with honesty.

Gutsy, generous and gut honest faith. I didn’t even mention (yet) the glimmer of faith (Matthew 8) Jesus and the freaking out guys in the storm. Jesus addresses their little glimmer of faith. But do we notice that they had just enough to cry out to Jesus! What about great faith (same chapter) a high-ranking Roman officer encounters Jesus, his servant is home paralyzed and suffering. The officer says to Jesus, “Just say the word and he will be healed.” Jesus tells him He had not found anyone with such great faith. The servant was healed!  Can you imagine coming to such faith as to say, “Just say the word!” Or “Your word says…”

Faith is living out our perception of God.

What does faith have to do with flannel? I’ll send it next week.  Until then, consider, does one of these faith scenarios resonate?  Are you needing faith that is gutsy, gut honest, great, or you have just enough glimmer of faith to squeak out “Help Lord!” Perhaps, you are needing Godly loving generous friends to help carry you to Jesus, or you know someone YOU through faith in your strong God, could help carry, through serving, praying and encouraging.

Faith and flannel.

Until next week: In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).

*Side Note: [I found this in my research within the context of “passing to the right hand.”] Passing a tennis ball from hand to hand, back and forth can help reduce anxiety by grounding and focusing you in the present moment and calming the nervous system. It’s called bi-lateral stimulation. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say we often need spiritual bi-lateral stimulation, putting to the right hand, strengthening our perception, understanding and desire for our God.