OUTDOOR TRUTHS: Borrowed Faith

By Gary Miller

What I do requires me to travel. I’m not sure how many days I’m gone from home, but it’s quite a few. If my trip is 10 hours or less, I prefer to drive. Driving lets me pack my truck with as much gear as possible.

When these trips don’t involve a hunt, I can load plenty of the stuff that is associated with my ministry. When the trips include hunting, I can pack bows or guns as well as all the gear I need. I really like doing it this way. Planes limit me unless I pay an extra expensive fee. And while taking weapons on a plane is doable, it can also be a hassle. So, when I fly and hunt, I usually borrow a friend’s gun. This also gives me an excuse if my hunt is unsuccessful. I can (and do) blame the gun I was given. I actually blame the guy who let me borrow his gun, because I firmly believe he gave me one with a crooked barrel. (looking at you John and Jason) Being able to borrow anything from a friend is a great benefit. It fills a need when our own is unavailable, broken, or simply something we don’t have. Borrowing is a temporary exchange that allows one person’s supply to meet another person’s need.  It is using someone else’s plenty in the presence of someone else’s lack. 

There are times in each of our lives when what we are lacking, or what is broken, or what is absent is our faith. Not our religion, but our trust. Our faith in God. There are times when our own beliefs have been damaged so much, we don’t trust them to take us much further. It’s like an old truck that we have patched and patched so much that it’s good for a few miles, but we just don’t trust it on a long haul. If I can bring this home, I would say it this way. We’ve prayed, and we’re tired of praying. We’ve sought God, and we’re tired of seeking.  We’ve forced gratitude, and we’re tired of faking it. We’ve confessed and promised until we’ve exhausted every word we know.  And if we’re just being honest (and God loves honesty) our faith is not taking us anywhere, and the only words we can conjure up to God, is, “God, I got nothin’.” And if that’s where you are, that’s okay. You can borrow faith from those who still have it. Be open and honest. Let someone know -- let several know-- you have crippled faith- you are unable to bring yourself to Jesus –  you are unable to muster up even a mustard seed of faith.  And what they will do for you, is break through a crowd, bust a hole in a roof, and lower you to Jesus. And when Jesus sees their faith, your healing will come. Because borrowed faith still moves mountains.

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org. Miller can be reached via email at gary@outdoortruths.org.