Rev. Jackson B. Powers
June 16, 2023

What is Radical Faith? It is a faith that goes beyond what is comfortable and familiar, a faith that trusts in God's power and provision in even the most difficult circumstances. It is a faith that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's guidance, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Radical faith requires humility, obedience, boldness, and trust in God's power and provision, even when it seems like there is no way out.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of men and women who demonstrated radical faith. Elijah, Daniel, and Esther are just a few examples of those who trusted in God in the face of adversity. Their stories continue to inspire us today and challenge us to step out in faith, even when the odds seem against us.

Elijah was a prophet who demonstrated radical faith in God's power. He challenged the false prophets of Baal and prayed for fire to come down from heaven to consume his sacrifice. God answered Elijah's prayer, and the people of Israel were amazed by God's power. Elijah's story teaches us that radical faith requires boldness and trust in God's ability to work miracles. When we step out in faith and trust in God's power, we can see amazing things happen.

Daniel was a man of faith who was thrown into the Lion's den for refusing to worship the king's idol. Despite the danger he faced, Daniel trusted in God's protection and continued to pray to God. God answered Daniel's prayers and shut the mouths of the lions. Daniel's story teaches us that radical faith requires unwavering trust in God's protection and provision. When we face difficult situations, we can trust that God will be with us and provide for our needs.

Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. When the evil Haman plotted to destroy all the Jews in Persia, Esther's cousin Mordecai urged her to use her position as queen to save her people. Esther knew that approaching the king without being summoned could result in her death, but she trusted in God's provision and chose to step out in faith. She fasted and prayed for three days before approaching the king and asking him to spare her people. God answered Esther's prayers, and the king granted her request, saving the Jewish people from destruction. Esther's story is a powerful example of radical faith, as she trusted in God's protection and provision even when the stakes were high.

We also see stories and examples of what radical faith is not. Take King Saul for example. King Saul was anointed as the first king of Israel but he quickly became proud and disobedient to God. Instead of trusting in God's guidance, Saul relied on his own strength and wisdom. This led to his downfall, as he was eventually replaced by David. Saul's story teaches us that radical faith requires something that he did not possess, humility and obedience to God's will. When we trust in our own strength, we will eventually fail, but when we trust in God's power and guidance, we can accomplish great things.

These stories of Elijah, Daniel, Esther, and yes... even King Saul... teach us that radical faith requires courage, trust, and obedience to God's will. When we trust in God's provision and step out in faith, we can see amazing things happen. Miracles even. But we have got to FIRST take that step, even if its a small one.

May we be inspired by these examples of radical faith and may we trust in God's guidance in our own lives, even when it's hard and lonely (but that's next week...).